Huge heart behind Valentine’s Gala

Valentine’s Night, Saturday, February 14, will see the Slieve Russell glow with more than candlelight. The hotel’s Cranaghan Suite will be filled with gratitude and friendship as the community gathers for the inaugural Valentine’s Charity Gala - a night inspired by one woman’s cancer journey and the exceptional care that carried her through it.

“This has all come from the heart,” says Jacqui Curry. “Anne spoke so often about the care she received and how she wished she could give something back. We all felt we had to do something to support her in that.”

At the centre of the story is Anne McGoldrick. In March 2023, her life changed in an instant. After discovering a lump in her breast, she went straight to her GP, and from there everything moved at frightening speed.

“I knew something wasn’t right,” Anne tells the Celt, surrounded by friends and fellow Gala committee members Jacqui Curry, Gerry Lennon, Anne Nolan and Martina McManus in the lobby of the Slieve Russell. “But you never think it’s going to be cancer.”

Within days, Anne was referred to the breast clinic. She tried to put it to the back of her mind and carry on as normal - until the phone rang one Thursday evening.

“I was in the hairdresser, getting ready for Gerry’s retirement party, when oncology from the Mater rang me,” she recalls.

Taking the call at that time sent her head into a spin. “I couldn’t answer at first and asked them to ring back. They still laugh about it - I was probably the first patient they ever rang while getting their hair done.”

Anne was diagnosed with Burkitt non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, a rare and extremely aggressive form of cancer that requires immediate, intensive treatment. By the following Monday, she was told to come to Dublin - and to bring someone with her. She was admitted the very next day.

“From diagnosis to treatment, it was less than two weeks,” she says. “Everything just moved so fast.”

Anne spent five and a half months in the Mater Hospital undergoing treatment. It was a long and daunting time, far from home, but it was also marked by extraordinary compassion.

“I can’t speak highly enough about the doctors and staff, especially in oncology,” she says. “They were incredibly caring and supportive — far beyond anything I ever expected.”

Although still recovering and not quite back to the person she was before, Anne says she is doing well now. “2023 wasn’t a great year for me,” she admits, “but I’m here, I’m recovering, and I’m grateful for that.”

Her gratitude became the spark for the gala. Jacqui, who had previously attended fundraising galas for people with similar diagnoses at the Titanic in Belfast and at Galgorm, suggested creating something special closer to home.

“We wanted it to feel special,” she explains. “That’s why we’re calling it a gala, not a ball. We wanted everyone to feel welcome.”

On the night, guests will be welcomed from 7:15pm by the powerful harmonies of the Cavan RFC Male Voice Choir. Gerry, a member of the choir himself, singing bass, helped organise their performance.

Dinner will be served at 8pm, followed by an evening of entertainment and celebration. Actor and musician Fiona Fitzpatrick from Belturbet will bring a mix of comedy and song, before the dancefloor opens to music from The Basskillers.

The night will be hosted by MC Seanie Cassidy, who promises to keep proceedings flowing with warmth and good humour.

There will also be moments of reflection, with special guests sharing their insights and experiences of dealing with cancer. Anne will speak briefly on the night, and representatives from the Mater Foundation and oncology services in Cavan are expected to attend.

The “generosity” of the wider community has been overwhelming, says Anne Nolan.

Ballyconnell Credit Union is the main sponsor, and many local businesses have rallied behind the event with enthusiasm.

“People have been very generous. They see the cause and just want to help,” she says.

Prizes on the night include luxury hotel breaks, an overnight stay with dinner at Farnham Estate, a dining voucher for Neven Maguire’s restaurant, a €1,000 Blue Book voucher, and vouchers from Jenny’s Boutique, Vanilla Boutique and many more.

All funds raised will be divided between oncology services at the Mater Hospital - specifically St Vincent’s Ward on the seventh floor - and oncology services in Cavan. The money will go directly towards patient comfort.

“You don’t realise how important those things are,” says Anne McGoldrick. “Not until you or someone you love is sick.”

Anne admits she has been overwhelmed by the effort made in her name. “I feel like I don’t even deserve it,” she says. “Everyone has worked so hard- it’s been incredibly humbling.”

Ticket sales have been exceptional so far. “They really have,” states Martina McManus. “People are genuinely looking forward to this night.”

“This is about saying thank you,” Anne says simply. “About giving something back, and especially about making things a little easier for the next person who needs that support.”

Tickets for the Valentine’s Charity Gala are still available from Ballyconnell Credit Union or from any committee member.