Fundraiser for popular Waterford man to be held this month

A fundraiser in aid of a very popular Waterford man will be held this month.

The event, in support of Seamus ‘Sham’ Ryan, who is known as a machine operator throughout County Waterford and beyond, will be held on Saturday, December 20th in will held in the Modeligo Community Centre (X35KF22). 

Seamus, who is better known as Sham, is an outgoing member of the Waterford community who unfortunately encountered a nest of wasps on the evening of Friday, October 10th.

As a result he was airlifted to Cork University Hospital (CUH), where he remains.

When he is strong enough, he will be transferred to the National Rehabilitation Hospital in Dun Laoghaire. 

However, that will only happen when he is strong enough and able to travel. His rehabilitation will be costly and intensive and will involve time away from work, travel, ongoing therapies and unforeseen expenses. 

All this will place a heavy financial burden on Sham and his family and that's why the community is supporting him through the fundraising initiative.

The Jigs and Wheels Tractor Run, which will be a parade of trucks, vintage cars, motorbikes and tractors, will drive through the parish for Sham’s fundraiser, before heading off on their dedicated route. 

Everyone is asked to arrive as early as possible, and to follow the signs and stewards instructions as the event will have a one-way system. 

Registration opens at 10am and closes at 12 noon.

The entry fee is €30 with refreshments included. Registrations can be taken day of, and pre-registration is available at https:/member.clubspot.app/club/modeligo-gaa/fundraisers.

Free buses will run on the day for tractor drivers and spectators.

 To guarantee a seat, please contact the location and there will be only one return stop for each location. The following bus companies have provided transport: Willie Bumster Bus Hire, Liam McCarthy Bus Hire, and Hallahan’s Coach and Bus Hire. The routes available are as follows: Route 1: Doocey’s Bar Ballymacarbry. Leaving Ballymac at 4pm sharp to bring to Deckies for an auction and returning at 10pm; Route 2: Beary’s Cross. Leaving Beary’s at 4.30pm sharp and returning to Beary’s at 10pm; Route 3: Touraneena. Leaving Touraneena at 4.15pm sharp and returning at 10pm; Route 4: Bridgie Terries. Leaving Bridgie Terries at 4.15pm sharp and returning to Bridgie Terries at 10pm; Route 5: Shalloe’s The Pike. Leaving Shalloe’s at 4.15pm sharp and returning at 10pm after the auction; Route 6: Cliffe’s Bar, Cappoquin. Leaving Cliffe’s Bar at 4.15pm sharp and returning at 10pm; Route 7: Meagher’s Ballysaggart. Leaving Meagher’s Bar at 4pm sharp and returning at 10pm; Route 8: Houlihan’s Mace Lismore. Leaving Houlihan’s at 4.15pm sharp and returning to Houlihan’s at 10pm.

All the bus routes will be travelling straight to Deckie's Bar where there will be a fundraising auction and the return trips to the aforementioned locations will all leave after the auction.

There will also be a monster raffle and the top prizes will include vouchers up to the value of €500, hotel stays, clothing, and much more. 

Tickets are €5 each or three for €10. They are available online, at Kenneth’s Dungarvan, Beary’s Cross Stores and from any committee member or by scanning the QR code below

The auction will begin at 5pm and bids will be taken in advance up to 5pm on December 19th. Bids should be emailed to shamfundraiser@gmail.com. The value of the items for which bidding is open ranges from €100 to €1,600.

The organisers of the event commented: "Overall, the fundraiser is a great chance to give back to the local community. Sham has worked in Munster on many construction projects throughout the past 20 years. His accident was unfortunate, however, this fundraiser is a chance to help Sham and his family recover."