The Certificate in Agriculture (Green Cert) students at Mellows Campus Athenry has raised €10,062 for Pieta House.
Students organised a charity event and heifer raffle as part of their team working module, delivered by Lisa Brennan.
Philomena, a Limousin-cross heifer purchased by one of the students for €1,150 at Tuam Mart, raised €5,987 for the charity. The raffle team members included Robert Muldoon (leader), Michael Mulry, Keith Godfrey, Caimin Griffey, Steven Connolly, Edward Costello, James Commins.
The other side of the class organised a 5KM Santa Run, raising €4,075 for the chosen charity. This team included Niall O’Shaughnessy (leader), Ethan Bruce, Dylan Ryan, Paul Seale, Ethan Harewood, Enda Donnelly.
Support
On behalf of all Green Cert students involved, Robert Muldoon, thanked those who supported their efforts.
He told That’s Farming: “I would like to thank every member of our teams sincerely for all their hardworking and commitment to the events.”
“Firstly, we would like to say a special thanks to all the businesses that donated prizes for the raffle such as JFC Manufacturing Tuam, Hyde Bar & Gin Parlour, Sharkey’s Spar Tuam, Maddens Hardware Clonberne. Also, thanks to the businesses that sponsored Hampers to the 5km Santa run, Liffey Meats, a local bakery and a voucher for lashes for a lucky lady farmerette.”
“Thanks to Mike Mulry for taking care of and holding Philomena on his farm for the duration of the raffle.”
“Thanks to Tope printing, Ollie Burke, John F Concannon, Paddy Coyne for helping me with Idonate, Brothers of Charity Ballinasloe and Mary Pettit for giving me the loan of the spinning drum. Also, Philomena Glynn, Joe Healy for pulling a ticket and Raymond Ryan from the Tuam Herald. To, Leanne Muldoon and Marie O’Shaughnessy for listening and being the left-hand women when the team leaders needed them. I was saying raffle in my sleep towards the end.”
“Thanks, Joe Burke of Pieta House who helped us throughout organising our events. Thanks to Serena Gibbons (Teagasc education officer) and Lisa Brennan ( tutor of teamworking) of Teagasc Athenry.”
Covid-19’s impact on mental health
“To conclude, it was definitely a memorable experience and one the whole class enjoyed. We are delighted that despite Covid 19 and the impact it is having on people’s mental health, that we were able to help such a well-known charity.”
“I am glad we raised so much for Pieta House as it is a great charity. Our funds now help Pieta House help ten people in need of this service to get through their difficult time.”
“By completing this module for our Green Cert course, it has brought the class together and helped us demonstrate skills such as communication, team working, time management, organisation event management.”
