Friday 27th December 12 noon, Tattan’s Bar, Dooneen

(NOTE: Separate notification to be sent out for Juvenile Club Long Puck.)

We are hosting our Adult Club Poc Fada to raise much needed funds for a very worthy cause on Friday, 27th December. Local man, Alan Collins played hurling and football in the blue and gold of Carrig at underage and adult level. Since hanging up his boots, he became a family man; husband to Caroline, father to Ava.

Alan was a gifted hard-working mechanic, full of energy and always on the go. That all changed dramatically within the last year when this extremely likeable big strong man in the prime of his life contracted the debilitating Lyme disease. It has had life-changing consequences for Alan and his family. He cannot work and has to travel to Germany for expensive treatment which is not available in this country.

Known as a Good Samaritan, Alan would always be the first to help out a person in need. It was not uncommon for him to freely help people who were broken down outside of working hours. Now Alan’s body has broken down and his many good turns deserve another.

When Alan gets dressed on Christmas morning, Caroline will have to tie his shoe laces. When he finishes his Christmas dinner, Caroline will have to pull his chair out from the table for him, such is the immobilising effect of this disease.

In this festive season of goodwill, we are calling on the people of East Cork and further afield to show their support for Alan by coming along and partaking in the Poc Fada. We would love to see familiar faces from various GAA clubs on the day. Please make sure to wear your club colours.

All proceeds from the event will go directly to Alan Collins. There will be food, refreshments, music and craic in Guilders Bar after the Poc Fada. A draw (in aid of Alan) will also be held in Guilders with some good cash prizes.

For those who cannot make it to the event, donations can be made on this fundraising page:

https://www.gofundme.com/f/carrigtwohill-gaa-poc-fada-in-aid-of-alan-collins

Read in more detail about the effect that Lyme disease has had on Alan and his family, along with information on the disease:

https://www.echolive.ie/corklives/My-daughter-is-asking-Santa-to-make-me-better-says-Cork-dad-with-Lyme-disease-779b50f3-b5df-4e2b-b0ac-dbc1c87d9b75-ds