Fancy Dress Walk for Eve the Warrior Princess organised by Garrydoolis N.S. Student Council
Saturday 28th of September saw a wonderful display of goodwill and generosity in Garrydoolis, as our Student Council, Anna Ryan, Conor O’Dwyer, James Carroll, Martha Hogan and Caoimhe Ryan, brought our community together to celebrate Baby Eve Creamer, also known as The Warrior Princess. As you may be aware, Eve, little sister of senior infant pupil Ayryn, suffers from a very rare skin condition called Neurocutaneos Melanosis (NCM). In honour of this little warrior and in an effort to raise funds for her Go Fund Me Campaign, our pupils decided to host a sponsored fancy dress walk at 10am on Saturday the 28th of September. Children were invited to dress up as warriors, superheroes or princesses and were asked to gather at Knockane GAA Grounds with family and friends in order to either walk the “Ring of Knockane” or the Community Walking Route.
A huge amount of effort went into organizing this event and the Student Council embraced this challenge completely. The level of excitement which enveloped our school on the evening before Eve’s walk was testament to the manner in which all of our pupils, families and indeed members of our wider school community invested in this child-centered community celebration.
People began to gather from 9.30am at Knockane GAA Grounds on the big day. Sincere thanks are extended to William Ryan and Davy Hogan who managed the car park on the morning. Thanks are also extended to Sergeant Adrian Condon (Cappamore) and Garda Tom McGlinchey (Murroe) who led our walk and to our loyal friend Mike O’ Donoghue who also helped ensure the safety of participants. In addition, we thank our stewards Simon Ryan, Kyran, John and Tom O’Donnell and Conor O’Dwyer Snr.
The CJ Kickham Band arrived at Knockane in great numbers to entertain the gathering crowd. We were also delighted to welcome Bríd Condon, local Knockane woman, who brought along the Mary Quinn Memorial Cup. Brid was congratulated on her recent All Ireland win with the Tipperary Intermediate Footballers and people were delighted to be photographed with Bríd and the cup. Again, we sincerely thank members of the Kickham Band and Bríd Condon for giving so generously of their time on the morning. Our custom made “Walk for Eve” photo frame proved extremely popular and we thank Catherine Beary who captured many lovely shots with it.
Before setting off on the walk, members of our Student Council addressed the crowd and gave the wonderful news that just over three thousand euro had been raised at that stage. A specially designed card was then presented to Eve’s parents as a memento of the walk, whilst Eve and her big sister, Ayryn, were gifted personalised teddy bears.
Back at school, there was an amazing spread of refreshments being laid out in anticipation of the walkers’ return. Sincere thanks to all who made buns, cakes and sandwiches. We also had a table full of treats to tempt our younger visitors! We extend thanks to Marie, Róisín, Joanne, Catherine, Lisa and Bridget who helped serve refreshments and to all who assisted with the tidy up. Wiggles the Clown entertained the children with a disco, balloons, pass the parcel and a magic show, whilst Ms. Jordan and Ms. Hickey were busy painting faces. The energy and fun which filled the classrooms on the morning was simply magical, made all the more special by the presence of little Eve, who also enjoyed a bop with her mum and dad.
Without the participation and goodwill of our families and wider school community this gathering and outpouring of support for the Creamer family simply would not have been possible. We wish to thank sponsors Regan’s Centra, O’Dwyer Oil, Dunnes Stores, Supervalu, Knockane GAA, The Carvery Restaurant, Kelly Drinks, The Idler Bar, Ian Quinlan and St. Ailbe’s Credit Union. We have raised a staggering six thousand euro for Eve and we look forward to presenting a cheque to her parents prior to Halloween break. Garrydoolis N.S. Walk for Eve will live on in the memories of young and old alike in our community for some time to come!
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