CELTIC FC Foundation’s second fundraiser in Ireland – One Night in Donegal with Scott Brown – took place on Saturday night at the Silver Tassie Hotel in Letterkenny.
It was sponsored by Bulmers, who also very generously provided a complimentary drink for every guest. Around 550 supporters packed the venue and the sell-out event proved to be a fantastic success, with an incredible amount in the region of €20,000 raised.
The event was organised in partnership with the Donegal Association of Celtic Supporters Clubs, and they were instrumental in securing key support and in all elements of planning and organisation.
The package included a Q&A with the Celtic Captain, live music from Liam McGrandles, auction, prize draw and fabulous three-course meal.
However, there were also some very special guests in the form of the treble – the SPFL trophy, the Scottish Cup and the Scottish League Cup – and guests had the opportunity for photos.
Peter Martin was MC for the event, and his first task to welcome the guest of honour, Scott Brown, into the room to a standing ovation. Next up was Donnie McIntyre of the Donegal Association to provide the warmest of welcomes, partly in Irish Gaelic.
Following a video piece providing an overview of the work of Celtic FC Foundation, Peter invited Chief Executive, Tony Hamilton to provide a vote of thanks to everyone who had played a part in the event.
Following a three-course meal, guests learned more about Celtic FC Foundation’s Ability Counts Donegal project, the evening’s main beneficiary, first from the Foundation’s Donna-Marie Henry and then a heart-warming video piece.
Operating since 2011, Ability Counts was the first of its kind in Scotland and provides weekly activity sessions for children and young people living with Down’s Syndrome and Autism, plus a group aged 18+ with additional support needs.
On Saturday, January 5, 2019, Celtic FC Foundation announced the arrival of Ability Counts Donegal, in partnership with Down Syndrome Ireland and Donegal Down Syndrome.
This project builds on the success of Ability Counts Ireland. This initiative incorporates elements from existing Ability Counts projects, focusing on multi-sport play and personal development.
Ability Counts Donegal will take place every Saturday at the Aura Leisure Centre, with two intakes scheduled per day and comprising morning (10am-12pm) and afternoon (1-3pm) delivery sessions. Partnering on this project, Donegal Down Syndrome (a subsidiary of Down Syndrome Ireland) provide a range of support services to individuals and families with Down’s Syndrome in the local community.
Next up was the live auction, before the main event. Following a video introduction, Scott Brown took to the stage to a rapturous reception. During a Q&A, the Celtic captain shared special memories from his time with the Club, highlighting the 2008 title-clinching victory at Tannadice and the recent Double Treble achievement as two of his personal favourites.
And asked by a supporter to name the best player he has ever played with at Celtic, he had no hesitation in naming Shunsuke Nakamura.
Following a raffle, including 11 fantastic prizes, the evening was then rounded off with a fantastic live set from Liam McGrandles.
It was a wonderful occasion – made so by the supporters who attended on the night – and we would like to thank every individual, supporters’ club and organisation who made it happen. Thank you for making a difference.
