Holy Cross, Ardoyne

"Night Out for a Troubled Parish"

Thus read the headlines in the "Irish News" following the first ever "Holy Cross Ardoyne Trust Gala Ball". What began over a cup of coffee resulted in a wonderful night for all in our Spring Ball.

The renovations at Holy Cross have challenged the "Trust" to come up with innovative ideas in the area of fundraising. We already had a very successful Golf Classic initiated by Fr. Aidan and his friends in Dublin. Various local ventures including cake sales, little fates, collections, etc., needed yet again another boost. So when Adrian Logan of UTV and his friends, Damien Dynes and Phil McGrenaghan met me for a cup of coffee they suggested a Gala Ball. We really needed to address the corporate sector for serious sponsorship yet wanted to make it an inclusive night for everyone and so it was a very broad Church that attended the event in the Europa Hotel.

'The theme centred around sport and celebrity with the following stars, Peter Canavan and Mickey Harte - Tyrone All Ireland Champions, David Humphreys OBE- Ulster and Ireland Rugby, Andrew Nesbitt - Circuit of Ireland Winner, Conor Maguire - Special Olympian, Keith Duffy - Westlife and Coronation Street and our own May McFetridge. With the aid of a local sub-committee consisting of Gerard McCallan, Gerard McGuigan, Danny Burns, Jim McCreesh, Alex Traynor, Frs. Aidan & John, six months of hard work came to fruition in one night.
The black tie event began with a black velvet reception sponsored by Guinness. The wonderful meal was punctuated by interviews with the stars, which was followed by Adrian Logan's famous "Heads and Tails". Andrew Nesbitt then thrilled the packed dining room with the auction raising just under £17,000. Our Special Olympian, Conor Maguire stole the night following his interview with Adrian Logan.

The formal part of the night finished when I thanked the committee and made presentations to all who formed part of this most essential fundraiser. This successful occasion was only possible through the support of the Passionist Community, Holy Cross and our many friends within the Parish and from much further afield.

In fact the remarkable feature was that it was initiated through the loyalty and friendship of people who until the night hadn't met many of our parishioners. We Passionists will always be indebted to their kindness but we cannot rest on our laurels and need to continue in this most painstaking task of fundraising.

Fr. Aidan is already working diligently on Septembers Golf Classic and I am currently organising a sponsored abseil down the side of the Europa Hotel. Anyone mad enough to join me or with any other "off the wall" ideas are most welcome and details of upcoming events can be seen on our website and parish bulletin.

With many thanks from the Passionists, Holy Cross.
Gary Donegan C.P.