Wellie-throwing championship for cancer charity

The Midlands Wellie Boot Throwing Championship is a novel event being ran as a fundraiser at the weekend's National Country Fair at Ballinlough Castle, in aid of the Lakelands Area Retreat and Cancer Care (LARCC) in Ballinalack, Co Westmeath. Green wellies are synonymous with game and country fairs in Ireland which is not that surprising given our summer weather. However, at Ballinlough Castle the emphasis will be less on the wearing of green wellies and more on the throwing of them to find the men's, ladies and children's Wellie Throwing Distance Champion. LARCC's marketing manager, Bernie McHugh, said that it was fitting the Duke Of Wellington, from Trim, not far away from Ballinlough Castle, should be commemorated in this light-hearted competition. More than ten thousand people are expected at the two-day National Country Fair which is the showcase event in Ireland for all things country orientated. In addition to over 150 trade stalls offering a wide variety of country sports equipment and clothing, the fair will host an air display, birds of prey, Cossack horsemanship, clay pigeon shooting, archery, a food festival and crafts fair, vintage tractors, children's entertainment and an action packed main arena with international class displays. There will, of course, be lots of wellies to buy as well as to throw! The National Country Fair runs from 10am until 6pm each day. Entry is €15 for adults with children under the age of 16 being admitted free when accompanied by an adult. Car parking is on-site and this is also free of charge. For more information visit the fair's website at www.nationalcountryfair.ie LARCC is also hosting its biggest summer fundraiser at Kilbeggan Races on Saturday 7th August, when special guest for the evening will be Rose of Tralee, Charmaine Kenny who has a lot of local connections. The Littlewoods Ireland Best Dressed Lady Competition will see wonderful prizes to be won for the best dressed lady. Celebrity judges will cast their well trained eye on the best of fashion and style the midlands has to offer. Tickets are €20 and the only way to support LARCC is to buy your tickets in advance, otherwise funds do not go to the charity, as sale of tickets on the gate on the evening does not go to LARCC. Call the centre on (044) 937 1971 for ticket information or buy tickets from Jasmine Design on Mount Street, the Greville Arms Hotel or from the Westmeath Examiner offices. By buying the LARCC ticket you are also included in a free draw to be made on the track on the night with some very nice prizes to be won. The LARCC Centre endeavours to give support and holistic help to people living with cancer and provides a supportive environment where patients and family members can participate in it's courses, obtain information and experience complementary therapies. The call-in service allows people living with a cancer diagnosis and their supporters to avail of cancer support services including one-to-one counselling, art therapy and a range of complementary therapies including massage, Indian head massage, Reiki and reflexology to name a few.  For more information visit the LARCC website at www.larcc.ie