Nathan Carter launches Western Care Valentine’s Candlelight Ball

TOP country music star Nathan Carter spent time during his visit to Castlebar for his Christmas show in the TF Royal Theatre to officially launch the 18th annual Western Care Valentine’s Candlelight Ball.

The black tie event, one of the highlights of the social calendar in Mayo, will take place on Saturday, February 10, in Breaffy House Resort and tickets are on sale now.

The ‘Wagon Wheel’ star was delighted to lend his support to the event and praised the Western Care Association for the fantastic work it carries out across Mayo every day.

Speaking at the launch Nathan said: “I’m in a privileged position whereby I get to meet and play to thousands of people across the world every year. Many of my fans have learning and intellectual difficulties as well as other disabilities and I’m so honoured that my music is a source of joy for them. I’m delighted to be associated with this brilliant event and wish the committee every success this coming Valentine’s weekend.”

The chairperson of the Castlebar Voluntary Branch of Western Care, Caroline Costello, thanked the main sponso,r Brendan Chambers of Vodafone C & C Cellular, for his ongoing commitment to the ball each year together with the other sponsors, Abbey Breaffy Nursing Home and Corrib Oil - a night like this would not happen without them.

She also paid tribute to all the businesses across the county who donate prizes to the ball. Caroline also thanked the 17 strong committee members who give so freely of their time and are the driving force behind the ball each year .

Caroline also applauded the work that Western Care as an organisation carry out on the ground and how they work with service users to help them achieve their own personal and individual goals quoting. . ."It is the simple things in life that are the most extraordinary.”

“I know that I speak on behalf of all of the committee when I say that the most satisfying and humbling part of organising the ball is our annual presentation evening in Lough Lannagh where last year we supported over 20 Western Care projects throughout County Mayo at a cost of over €20,0000 - which was the proceeds from the ball.

Caroline also thanked Pat Jennings for facilitating and hosting the event’s launch.

The chairperson of Western Care, Anthony McCormack, and development officer, Teresa Ward, were also in attendance at this week’s launch.

This year’s ball will be televised for Sky TV and will be aired shortly afterwards on Henry McGlade’s popular magazine show The Irish At Home and Abroad on Sky 212 and Freesat 161. The show can be viewed every Thursday night at 7 p.m.

The 18th annual Western Care Valentine’s Candlelight Ball takes place in Breaffy House Resort on Saturday, February 10, at 7 p.m., commencing with a champagne reception followed by gala dinner, raffle, auction and lots of prizes.

Tickets costing €50 are available from Western Care Head Office, John Moore Road, Castlebar; Teresa Ward, Development Officer, 087 2467857; or from committee members. A 10 per cent discount applies when a table of 10 or more is purchased.

The 2018 committee members are Caroline Costello, Barbara Flynn, Caroline Gordon, Lorraine Hall, Cora Mulroy, Dara Dunne, Helena Boylan, Henry McGlade, Naomi Tiernan, Orla Cunningham, Pauline Brennan, Steve O’Donnell, Siobhan Horan, Toni Bourke, Ethna Doherty, Teresa Ward and Tom Collins.

For further information contact Caroline Costello 086 2563815, Teresa Ward 087 2467857, or Toni Bourke 087 6125373.