Cloonfad gets ready for major fundraiser to honour memory of Joelyn Godfrey

The community of Cloonfad is coming together for what promises to be a memorable evening of fundraising, friendship and remembrance when the Cloonfad Race Night & Charity Auction takes place on Saturday, July 25th at The Three Counties, Cloonfad, beginning at 8 p.m.

Held in memory of the late Joelyn Godfrey (née Keane), all proceeds from the night will be shared between Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation and Cloonfad United FC, supporting two causes that were close to Joelyn's family and the local community.

Joelyn passed away in October 2024 after a long and courageous battle with cancer. As the owner of Cuddles and Care Creche in Cloonfad, she touched the lives of countless local families through her kindness, warmth and dedication to children. She is deeply missed by her husband Patrick, her beloved children Fionn, Sorcha and Aoibhinn, her mother Margaret, brother PJ, sisters Dolores, Bernie, Mairead and Christina, and by her extended family, friends and the wider community.

The event has been organised by a dedicated committee who have spent months working behind the scenes to ensure the evening will be both fun and successful. Volunteers have been selling racehorses, securing sponsorship, gathering raffle prizes and sourcing an impressive range of auction items, all with one goal in mind, to raise as much money as possible for two worthy causes.

Among the auction prizes on offer are signed Mayo, Galway and Roscommon jerseys, signed boxing gloves from Aoife and Lisa O'Rourke, spa vouchers, bags of coal, a heifer, loads of turf, family days out and many more generous donations from local businesses and supporters.

Adding to the occasion, the charity auction will be conducted by Michael Fitzmaurice TD, ensuring plenty of excitement and good humour throughout the evening.

Founded many years ago at the heart of the parish, Cloonfad United FC has become much more than a football club. Catering for players from young children through to adult teams, the club provides sporting opportunities, promotes healthy lifestyles and plays a vital role in bringing the community together. Earlier this year, the club was recognised with the FAI One Star Club Mark Award, acknowledging the high standards achieved in coaching, governance and club development.

Speaking on behalf of the organising committee, David Mullarkey, chairman of Cloonfad United said he hopes the entire community will come along to support the event.

"This is about remembering Joelyn, supporting two organisations that mean so much to our community, and enjoying a great night's entertainment together. We've been overwhelmed by the generosity of local businesses, sponsors and everyone who has donated prizes. We hope people will come out in big numbers, enjoy the racing and auction, and help us make a real difference."

• Donations can also be made through the official iDonate page - https://www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/jackharrington.