* THANK YOU *
BIG BENEFIT BASH

With so much trouble and strife in the world, with so much evil
highlighted daily by the media, Isn’t it refreshing when a good news
story sometimes crops up to restore our faith in the goodness of
people?

Such a story is the success of the”Paddy’s Point Big Benefit Bash” held
in La Zenia Hotel on Thursday 24th. May in support of Jackie, a young
mother of four, who is battling cancer. Jackie’s story has touched the
hearts of so many people, and it is a measure of her popularity that up
to 400 people turned up for the event and many more bought tickets
and contributed sponsorship or items for auction. At time of going to
press the function has returned in excess of €15,000.

On the evening Bernie Comaskey from Paddy’s Point paid tribute to all
the performers who gave of their time and talent . Any one of whom
would grace any stage anywhere in the world,
performed free for the gig.
From the legendary Eileen Reid and Jimmy Day, to the young Irish
dancers who were flown out by sponsors from Dublin: from the
versatile and experienced Paul Cullen to the newest Liverpool
sensation “Shaughnessy”: from the hugely popular “Sunflower Valley”
to the amazing Ballet Flamenco Al Andaluz: from Julie Mc Cracken
(Costa Blanca’s answer to Shania Twain) to Colette Cullen who flew in
from Ireland especially to sing at the Bash and Greg Traynor, the
greatest Elvis impersonator we know, who also flew over from Ireland.  
Internationally renowned hypnotist Adrian Knight topped the show, and
in so doing made a few members of the audience (who shall remain
nameless!!!) famous also.
Bernie then expressed admiration for the committee, Marie, Hazel and
Pamela who do the work and for Paul Cullen, who acted as concert
organizer.
In closing, Bernie paid tribute to colleague & friend Jackie……
“The one word which has never been or ever will be mentioned is
“charity”, stated Bernie. “Whilst all the money collected is vital for Jackie
and her children, we are here tonight to pay tribute to the bravery,
resilience and spirit of our much loved friend Jackie, and God knows,
how we can learn from her. Jackie never complains, on her bad days
the worst you can get in her Belfast accent is “Ach.. Not too bad”
His final words being a moving tribute to Jackie as he urged her “to
keep the battle going”
However, this event would not have been possible without the publicity
& support we received. We are indebted to those businesses who put
up posters and sold tickets, gave us sponsorship and raffle and
auction prizes. We thank Exite FM and Sunshine Radio for their
coverage and the Leader newspaper for their article
highlighting Jackie’s plight. Thanks also go to our good friends at La
Zenia Hotel for all their help.
Finally…………thanks to YOU………….
The people who bought tickets & attended the “Bash”.

There was a great buzz around La Zenia Hotel and “Paddy’s Point” next
day at the success of the event. It was a positive, most enjoyable,
fun-loving get-together.
As one wag remarked..........................  
“It was like a really good wedding………without the row !!”