Community Comes Together To Suport One Of It’s Owens

The Owens Family

A community came together at the Cobh Pirates RFC Paddocks Bar last Friday night to support a fundraiser for former Pirates player Gavin Owens, who lost a leg in an accident accident recently in Australia where he now lives and works. Approximately 500 people jammed the Paddocks Bar to show their support for Gavin and raise an estimated €9000 on the night from entry tickets, a raffle and an online auction of signed sports jerseys including Ireland, Munster, Celtic, Roy Keane, Leicester Tigers and others including a signed and framed Lions jersey.

Local musicians Darragh McGann, Katie McGroarty and imensely popular Cobh trad band Dirty Secret kept the crowd entertained throughout the evening. A special moment took place when a large projector screen was erected and and a Skype call made to Gavin’s hospital bed where he and friend Pa Kelly were able to see and chat with friends and members of his family at the event. ‘Great to see you all and hope you’re having a blast of an evening’ said Gavin. ‘I’m doing well and wish I could be there with you all tonight’

Gavin Owens (left) and Pa Kelly on Skype from the hospital in Australia

It is clearly evident from the amount of support this event received that Gavin is indeed a very popular character and speaking with Cllr John Mulvihill Jnr he told me that he wasn’t at all surpised with the large turnout. ‘I’m so pleased, but not surprised, at the fantastic turnout and support shown here tonight for Gavin. It lifts my heart and spirits to see Cobh people here tonight from an array of sporting clubs and all walks of life across the town. You can never dispute how well Cobh people rally around when needed.’

Compere for the night and current Cobh Pirates Chairman, Kieran McKeown thanked the many sponsors of the event, those who attended, and the businesses and individuals who had donated prizes for the raffle. A particular thanks went to the Owens Family for allowing the event to take place. Food on the night was provided free of charge by Carl Conneely of Supermac’s Cobh and the marquee was provided by Axis Marquees.

Approximately 80 photographs of the night are available to view on the Cobh Edition Facebook Page – https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.473555889333034.122158.175857379102888&type=3

Crowd come together for the Skype call

Cobh Trad Band, Dirty Secret

Debroah Hayes, Liam Warner & Cllr John Mulvihill Jnr

Katie McGroarty

Darragh McGann