Published: Friday, 18th September, 2009 9:00am

Ballycommon benefit race night a success

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There was a great atmosphere for the benefit night in aid of Michael Robbins, Bracklin, which took place last Saturday night in the Barn of Manns farm Bracklin.

Michael is recovering from a serious illness. His neighbours and friends got together to organise a night for him in the form of a race night. The chief organisers were Johnny Mann, Seamus Bracken, Mark Maguire and Gerry Hamill.

They were absolutely delighted with the generous response from both businesses and individuals. Despite these recessionary times, people were more than willing to help in any way they could. The night itself was brilliant. A very able Martin McMenamin was chief racing stewart.

Betting was brisk with the Tote table extremely busy. Form went out the window when you could choose from horses called 'Yella Belly Biffo,'Burning Rubber' or 'The Donkey'. Billy Conneely was feeling lucky when he put a fiver on 'Arthur Guinness' but the ground was heavy and he fell at the Bracklin Bridge - rumour has it, they are waiting for Tomas Bracken to shift him!

Granny Mann put €2 on 'Pure Mule' but he didn't get past Tinnycross suffering from exhaustion and had to be revived with a bucket of water from Noreen Robinson. These two nags must have come from the same stable! The last race was auctioned and Christy Maye and Co purchased the winner and very sportingly handed back the winnings for the fund. Sincere thanks to all who gave sponsorship, donations, prizes for the raffle and those who sold and bought tickets for same or who helped out in any way. Thanks also to Tommy McCabe for supplying the disco which kept everyone dancing till the wee hours. Michael's brother George thanked everyone at the end of the night on behalf of Michael, Mags and the boys. We all wish Michael a speedy recovery back to full health.