Get your dancing shoes on for MAASA appreciation night

A NIGHT of appreciation for Mayo Addiction and Suicide Awareness (MAASA) founder Joe McGuire takes place in the TF Hotel, Castlebar, on Friday, November 4.

Put on your dancing shoes and join some special guests, including Mayo GAA legend Willie Joe Padden and comedian Frank Forde, for a fun night, kicking off at 8 p.m.

Six other people from around the county who have supported Joe in his work promoting positive mental health, addiction and suicide awareness will also be honoured on the night.

MEP Maria Walsh will be on hand to make the presentations, with music by Cheers set to fill the dance floor.

There will also be competitions interspersed throughout the evening for waltzing, jiving and line dancing, with Mildred Byrne among the adjudicators.

A raffle on the night has some top prizes, including a two-night B&B stay in The Lodge at Ashford, dinner for two in The Lodge, vouchers, hampers and more.

Tickets (€20) include the music, dancing and comedy, one drink and finger food. Tickets are available on eventbrite, from the two MAASA charity shops in Castlebar and Ballina, and also from Michael Jennings at dancing in the Admiral Browne Hall in Foxford on Monday nights and Sligo Great Southern Hotel on Thursday nights. It is suggested to book tickets and/or provide names for dancing competition in advance as tickets are limited.

A bus will be organised to/from the event from Ballina. Also, the Ellison Hotel is offering a rate of €120 B&B for a double room for the night - quote MAASA appreciation night when booking.

All proceeds raised will go to MAASA. Any queries about the event, tickets or bus should be directed to Loretta on (087) 4657012.

Joe McGuire, who has worked voluntarily for the last 12 years in the sector, is retiring at Christmas.

Some 2,400 people have passed through the doors of MAASA's centres over the past 11 years seeking help.