'Chaser' fundraiser is coming to Newport
General knowledge is to be put to the test in the first ever running of the popular television contest 'The Chase' on a local stage, but the ultimate winner will be the recreational facilities for the youth in the local community.
The Boys National School, Newport Athletic Club, and the Rugby Club have combined in the running of the major fundraiser to be held at the Community Centre, Newport on Saturday November 23rd.
John Delaney, of Newport Rugby Club, told the gathering at the recent launch that the idea of a joint venture for a major fundraiser to be shared came about at the end of last year because of the common interest of all three in providing recreational facilities for the youth of the area.
Pallas Marketing was contracted to run 'The Chase', an Irish version of the popular television programme, which has been developed by the Newtown-Nenagh company to a very professional level.
"The first challenge was to raise a minimum of €10,000 necessary to run the programme. Within a short time we have commitments of €1,000 each from 12 local business interests and we realised that we were in business," Mr Delaney said.
"More than 100 people have now come on board as advertisers - we'd be delighted to accept more - and we are up and running for what promises to be one of the biggest nights of entertainment in Newport ever.”
John Skehan, NT, Boys NS, said that the objective is the development of facilities for the youth of Newport because sport is beneficial to the development of health and mindfullness.
Plans are in train for a playing pitch at the Boys National School where they are also hoping to provide a 200m running track and an astro turf pitch.
Local GAA hurling star, Sean O'Brien, the unique holder of All Ireland Championship medals in five grades had the honour of going head to head against the 'chaser' Breda Lenihan in a dummy run of the contest supervised by Tom Shanahan, Director, Pallas Marketing.
A very large attendance is expected at the Community Centre, Newport for the event when a number of people from the audience will be chosen to challenge local celebrities on their general knowledge and win some cash.
Representatives of Newport Rugby Club, and Newport Athletic Club were also present at the launch.