'An opportunity for the community to make a real difference': Mayor's Charity Gala to support two Cork charities 

ATTENDEES at the forthcoming Charity Gala of the County of Cork Mayor Cllr Frank O’Flynn can expect a night filled with music and comedy.

The gala will support two local charities, Blackwater Search and Rescue and the Cope Foundation in Fermoy and Mitchelstown, according to details of the event announced on Monday.

Blackwater Search and Recovery Unit is a voluntary organisation committed to providing search and recovery services for missing persons in and around the Blackwater River area.

The funds raised at the Mayor’s Charity Gala will contribute to their ongoing efforts to enhance safety and support families in times of crisis.

Cope Foundation is a renowned Cork-based, non-profit organisation that focuses on empowering people with an intellectual disability and/or autism to live a life of their choosing.

The Mayor’s Charity Gala aims to bolster their initiatives, ensuring they can continue to provide essential services to the people they support and their families.

Cllr O’Flynn said it has been his ‘honour and privilege’ to serve the people of Cork as their mayor and said he hoped the community could join him at the annual County Mayor’s Charity Gala.

“I’m really looking forward to showcasing all that is great and good about our county on the night,” said Cllr O’Flynn. “I love that it is not just a glamorous affair; it’s an opportunity for our community to come together and make a real difference.

“We are proud to support the incredible work of the Blackwater Search and Recovery Unit and Cope Foundation, and we invite everyone to join us for a night of celebration and generosity.”

Blackwater Search and Recovery Unit chair Maurice Carroll said the group was deeply grateful for the support of the Mayor’s Charity Gala.

“We are a completely voluntary organisation established by necessity in 1983,” he said. “Situated on banks of the Blackwater in the town of Fermoy, we respond when called upon through official channels with over 300 callouts throughout this time.”

Cope Foundation chief executive Sean Abbot said the Mayor’s Gala would give Cope the opportunity to highlight the work it does in local communities.

“Funds raised will make a significant difference in the lives of people we support in our Fermoy and Mitchelstown locations,” said Mr Abbott. “It’s set to be an enjoyable night for all and I welcome businesses across the county to attend and support two worthy Cork charities.”

The event on Friday, April 19, at the Radisson Blu Little Island will feature comedian Bernard Casey as well as a charity raffle.

Tickets for the Cork County Mayor's Charity Gala are now on sale, priced at €100 each, and can be purchased online by visiting www.CorkCoCo.ie, by emailing mayor@corkcoco.ie or by calling (021) 4285367.