Over €440,000 raised for charity - Maggies Fundraising Committees honoured by council

A community fundraising group who have raised in the region of €440,000 for a host of local charities were honoured at a special reception at the Lifford-Stranorlar Municipal District this week.

‘Maggies Fundraising Committees’ – a group of people who have organised charity events from Maggie’s Tavern in St. Johnston, have helped raise much needed financial support for local groups and organisations.

And those efforts were celebrated at a special event in Donegal County Council’s chamber in Lifford on Wednesday.

Cllr. Liam Doherty, Cathaoirleach of the Lifford-Stranorlar Municipal District, said that the funds raised was a remarkable achievement by such a large group of fundraisers.

He said it was a pleasure to host the Municipal District Reception, noting it is the highest honour the Municipal District can bestow upon a group.

Members of Maggies Fundraising Committees pictured at the Municipal District Reception held in the County House, Lifford.

In congratulating the collective of people who are known as Maggies Fundraising Committees, Cllr. Gerry Crawford thanked the Cathaoirleach and his fellow councillors, who had supported his request for a reception.

He referenced a video presentation prepared by the group which was shown on the screen in the chamber which he said clearly highlighted the wide range of charitable activities, commitment, hard work and determination of everyone involved, both past and present.

He said it was a community effort which was for no personal gain and it was quite remarkable that in the region of €440,000 has been raised over the years for countless charities and very worthy causes.

Cllr Crawford added that all committees need a venue, and this was created in Maggie’s Tavern in St. Johnston.

He said the large turnout at the reception was indicative of the commitment and effort of all involved with this special group of people.

Cllr Patrick McGowan said it was great to see the chamber full of ordinary people doing extraordinary work for a lot of worthy charities and commended everyone involved.

Colin McNulty, Area Manager, Housing & Corporate Services, Lifford-Stranorlar Municipal District; Cllr. Liam Doherty, Cathaoirleach Lifford-Stranorlar Municipal District; Cllr. Martin Harley, Cathaoirleach, Donegal County Council; Joe McKane, Maggies Fundraising Committees; Cllr. Gerry Crawford; Cllr. Patrick McGowan, Leas-Chathaoirleach Lifford-Stranorlar Municipal District

The Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council, Cllr. Martin Harley, referred to the often unseen work that underpins the success of voluntary fundraising groups. He said he was delighted that the Maggies Fundraising Committees were getting the recognition they deserve for years of fundraising for multiple worthy charities.

Joe McKane spoke on behalf of Maggies Fundraising Committees and thanked Cllr. Crawford for nominating the group for special recognition. He listed over 20 charities who have benefited from the fundraising over the years.

Joe thanked Alice Lynch Sweeney and staff at Maggies for facilitating the work of the fundraising committees over the years and all the Ccommittee members involved, not forgetting those who are no longer with us today.

He also thanked the local businesses for sponsoring prizes and the people who bought tickets and supported the events.

The Maggies Fundraising Committees were presented with the official document of the Municipal District and a specially engraved piece of glass. Alice Lynch Sweeney of Maggie’s Tavern was presented with a bouquet of flowers.

Colin McNulty, Area Manager, Housing & Corporate Services, was MC at the event.

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