Family Fun Day honouring memory of Rita Sharkey a great success
P J Gilligan, a brother of the late Rita Sharkey, and Patricia Gilligan, with their daughters Olivia Carty, Niamh Gallagher and Marina Beirne pictured at the recent family fun day held in Rita Sharkey's memory at The Four Provinces, Rathallen, Boyle. Pic: Gerry Faughnan
The family of the late Rita Sharkey has extended heartfelt thanks to everyone who supported and attended the recent Family Fun Day held in Rita's memory at The Four Provinces, Rathallen, Boyle.
Rita’s sudden passing on January 28th, 2025, was deeply felt across Cavetown, Frenchpark and the wider Croghan area. Family, friends and neighbours united to celebrate her life while raising funds for a lasting memorial in one of her most cherished places, Cavetown Lake.
At the heart of the fundraising effort was a Family Fun Day and auction. Funds raised will go towards the creation of a permanent memorial at Cavetown Lake, a place that held great personal meaning for Rita and where she spent many happy moments in the company of friends and neighbours. The memorial aims to ensure that her presence and contribution to community life will be remembered for years to come. In addition, a donation will be made to Croí in Rita’s honour, a cause that reflects the compassion and care she showed throughout her life.
The fundraising initiative also supported Paula Sharkey’s “Dip a Day in May”, helping to raise awareness and backing for an important health cause as part of the overall effort.
“We are deeply grateful to all who gave so generously of their time, talents, sponsorship, donations and support. A special word of thanks to our sponsors, local businesses, volunteers, entertainers, fundraisers, auction donors, and everyone who helped organise and run the event. Your kindness and generosity contributed to a wonderful day of community spirit, friendship and remembrance,” said Rita’s family “A special thank you to everyone who joined Paula for her "Dip a Day" fundraiser in the weeks leading up to the event. Your encouragement, companionship and support played a significant part in the success of the fundraising efforts and was greatly appreciated.
“We would also like to thank The Four Provinces for their hospitality, Croghan Choir for their contribution to the day's entertainment, our DJ for keeping the atmosphere lively throughout the day, and the three auctioneers whose professionalism, enthusiasm and good humour helped make the monster auction such a tremendous success. Thanks also to all those who donated items, baked goods, books and prizes.
“Thanks to the tremendous support received, an incredible €13,500 was raised on the day, with a further €5,000+ raised through our GoFundMe page and additional donations still being received. These funds will go towards the creation of a memorial space at Cavetown Lake in Rita's memory, together with a donation to Croí.
“Finally, we thank everyone who attended, donated, shared our social media posts and helped spread the word. Your support has been greatly appreciated and made the day a fitting tribute to Rita, whose warmth, kindness and love of community touched so many lives.”
