The revival of Castlemaine Fair Day was held on Sunday, October 10th 2021 in memory of the late John O’Donoghue Castlemaine was described as a resounding success and a fitting tribute to a pillar of the community who sadly passed away on January 1 2021.

On Saturday evening last, in Griffin’s Bar and Lounge, Castlemaine, the proceeds of the Fair Day which amounted to an incredible sum of €40,061.76 were presented by family members, close friends and the Castlemaine Events Committee to the very deserving Kerry Hospice Foundation who provided exemplary care and support to John and his family following a shock diagnosis of terminal bowel cancer in May 2019.

John O’Donoghue was born on January 21 1965 which happened to coincide with a staging of Castlemaine Fair Day over fifty years ago and it was with this in mind that Cathy, John’s daughter and his good friend for many years, Pat O’Keeffe felt a Fair Day would be an appropriate way to celebrate his life due to his lifelong passion for farming and his love of attending many different fairs throughout the county and indeed country.

The added motivation of bringing back an old tradition to Castlemaine Village and raising funds for Kerry Hospice Foundation at the same time were key factors in deciding to proceed with the memorial event.

Speaking following the cheque presentation to Kerry Hospice Foundation, John’s daughter Cathy said: “We couldn’t have done it without the incredible assistance of the Castlemaine Events Committee, the farming community, locals, An Garda Siochana, St Joseph’s National School Castlemaine, Sayers Insurance, Castlemaine Community Centre, Department of Agriculture officials, very generous local businesses and the unwavering support from Evelyn and Mary Shanahan of the Kerry Hospice Foundation.
“A huge thank you also to the amazing doctors, nurses and carers who looked after my father so well during his short time in the Palliative Care Unit back in 2020. It was a great pleasure to present the cheque on Saturday evening to the Kerry Hospice Foundation alongside Castlemaine Events Committee and some members of the farming community on behalf of Castlemaine and its surrounding areas.

“I’d like to express my gratitude to all of you that gave very generous donations before, during and after the Fair Day. Your contribution is greatly appreciated. It is impossible to mention everyone as some gave contributions through sponsorship prizes, supplying equipment/entertainment on the day, volunteering, purchasing tickets, donating or bidding at the auction etc so I wish to reiterate that your support is so valued.
“It is the intention that this will now become an annual event as not only does it help raise funds for the wonderful service that the Kerry Hospice Foundation provides, it will also help keep my father’s memory alive.
“John would be beaming with pride and will be forever proud.”