Friday night’s racenight fundraiser in The Strand Bar for the injured Paddy Pearson proved a massive success with club members, locals, and many others turning out in force to ensure that a substantial sum was raised. Paddy, our New Zealand born out-half, was badly burned in an incident just before Halloween when his heroic efforts in attempting to save a team-mate who had caught fire tragically led to his own injury. Paddy, who having only arrived this season, had already major a huge impact at the club where he is sadly missed on and off the field. We are glad to report that Paddy is making good progress in hospital in Galway where he is receiving ongoing medical attention, and hopes to be able to be return home soon. Sligo RFC would like to thank everyone who supported the event, including The Strand Bar for their great hospitality, auctioneer for the night Des Butler, anyone who donated items to the auction, other rugby clubs who generously contributed to the fund, and everyone who attended on the night. A special mention must also be made to the organising committee of Rodger Burrows, Cameron Giles, Aisling Burrows, Cliona O’Kelly, Marion Rolf and Rory Raftery, who worked hard in ensuring that not only was the event a great success but also achieving a nationwide response to their appeal and raising a sum of money that will hopefully make a great difference to Paddy as his recovery continues.

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