MEMBERS of the Celtic FC Foundation got their long johns on last Saturday in preparation for their first ever ‘Sleep Out’ event in Donegal which raised a staggering €22,000 for Irish charities.
When CLG Naomh Íochtar na Rosann agreed to the use of their facilities, there was only one worry and that was if the weather was going to be on their side.
Supporters turned up in their droves bracing themselves for chilly conditions over the next eight hours.
The group was a mix of individual supporters and representatives from Celtic Supporters Clubs across the country including the Rosses, Ballymena Shamrock, Coalisland, Laois, South Derry and Tyrone No. 1.
The Rosses area holds special historical significance to Celtic Football Club, having provided the first sod of turf to be laid at the new Celtic Park.
The night began with a visit to the plaque commemorating the gift of the sod.
Here, Charlie Boyle, member of the Rosses CSC spoke of this experience in 1995 and how they were received in Celtic Park by Fergus McCann.
A questions and answers session was then held with Donegal GAA legend and former Celtic coach Jim McGuinness.
On the night, Jim shared some wonderful insights into his time working within both sports.
Following the Q&A session, everyone took their places to begin the sleep out.
Award-winning country and folk music artist Sina Theil brought along her guitar and entertained her fellow participants with an array of Celtic favourites, as well as a few of her own original songs.
Spirits were high as there were sing songs galore.
Three members of the Celtic Foundation flew in to oversee the event and keep a close eye on everyone throughout the night.
Around 5:30am the sleep out came to an end.
Local members of the club organised breakfast for all the participants, from breakfast rolls to cups of tea, everything was donated by The Cope in Annagry and Supervalue in Dungloe.
Speaking to the Donegal News, Secretary of the Rosses CSC, Jimmy Boyle said it was great to do something for the less fortunate in the run up to Christmas.
“The night went very well. It was cold but it was bearable. Everyone was prepared and seemed to cope very well. The sleep out was a very enjoyable experience,” he said.
Josie Boyle, founding member of Rosses Celtic Supporters Club also participated in the sleep out.
“During the sleep out some people slept, some stood about chatting but I walked most of it to keep myself warm,” he said.
Kate Gillespie, a teacher from Mullaghduff, who also took part in the sleep out said she was delighted the rain stayed away.
“The sleep out was tough but we had a nice gang doing it which made things easier. I wanted to take part in it as I am a massive Celtic supporter and I also play for Naomh Íochtar na Rosann so when the two came together I couldn’t miss out,” she said.
All money secured through this event will be spent directly in Ireland, to support those most in need within a number of communities.
Although the Celtic FC Foundation already made a generous donation to the Creeslough Community Support Fund, they have also included this fund in their list of Irish charities.
Some of the other charities on the list include Annagry Saint Vincent De Paul, Women’s Aid Dublin and Women’s Aid Belfast and Lisburn.
If you wish to make a donation you can still do so via https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/cfcfca2022
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