Went bare faced in aid of charity for

While having a chat in the small hours of the morning at the National Rally Championship Prize-Giving in Cavan in 2000 with Stephen, Joe, Frank and some of the boys, Stephen Murphy Managing Director of Milltown Engineering asked if I would shave my (then almost 30 year old) beard off for charity. I in my somewhat inebriated state asked Stephen, winner of the National Rally Championship in 1995 and 1996 (on maximum points) would he sponsor me - "I will put €1000 in, if I can shave it off myself'. In a somewhat stunned state I asked Joe Connolly Managing Director of RED MILLS who sponsored the National Rally Championship in 1998 and 1999 if he would match it. Without hesitation he said - "I will". When I looked at Frank O'Mahony, a competitor of the National Rally Championship he said he would give more if he could be there himself. With this start, I felt it might be possible to get as much as €10,000.

The reason this worthy cause has been nominated is that, when my daughter Louise was a baby, some 20 years ago, she was unwell and the hospital cared for her. She underwent two operations, both of which were successful. The first was when she was 8 months old and the second 11 months old. The Surgeon who led the operation team was Professor Ray J Fitzgerald. He has outlined some of the areas where this money will be most helpful in his ongoing care and treatment of sick children.
Since the public announcement, made by Michael Lyster of RTE, who is also a rally driver at the launch of the Wexford Stages Rally in August this year I am overwhelmed with the response. The fund is now at €30,000 for Our Lady's Hospital for Sick Children, Crumlin.

The shave took place on Saturday night the 22^nd of November at the 2003 Dunlop National Rally Championship Prize Giving held in the Seven Oaks Hotel Carlow.

I wish to thank all my colleagues at Carlow Institute of Technology, Carlow Car Club, neighbours, friends, family and all in motorsport for their contributions. The account will be closed in the coming weeks. Any contributions are most welcome to give this worthy cause an excellent Christmas present at the following places: