An Unforgettable Night at the Races

On behalf of the entire St. Catherine’s Special School community, we would like to extend our sincere thanks and appreciation to the Gemma Appeal for organising the wonderful Race Night fundraiser held in Lee’s Pub, Kilcoole.

Over €20,000 was raised on the night, but events like this do far more than raise vital funds — they bring people together in a spirit of generosity, kindness, and shared purpose.

We are deeply grateful to everyone involved in planning and running the night, and especially to the many local businesses who so generously sponsored the event.

As we look forward to the development of our new school in Kilcoole, the welcome and support we have already received from the local community has been truly heartening. The continued goodwill and commitment shown by The Gemma Appeal, our local business community, and everyone who attended the Race Night is a powerful reminder of the strength of community spirit in Kilcoole and beyond.

We would like to thank all in The Gemma Appeal for organising this event – namely, Mick Nolan, Caroline Gallagher, Micheal Gammell, Dickie Gammell, Karl Cooke, tote Pappy Frawley, Jenny Frawley, MC Declan Greene, bookie Freddie Hamilton Snr, Audrey Daye, Sinèad Hussey and Ashling McNamara.

And when it came to the sponsors, a big shout-out to Centra Kilcoole plus Kilcoole Kabs, Wicklow Trophies & Engraving, Bomar, Kilcoole Thriftshop, Flatley Engineering, Eddie Davis, Carraig Inn, Cine Electric LTD, Genesis Aircraft Services and Spirit Ford.

When schools, charities, and local businesses support one another, everyone benefits. Thank you for standing with St. Catherine’s and for helping us provide the best possible opportunities for our pupils, now and into the future.

And while not every horse may have crossed the finish line first tonight, the real winners are our pupils, a result we can all cheer for.