The 2023 Tinahely Show was a huge success, with record numbers attending and almost 200 trade stands. East Coast Samaritan volunteers were delighted to be there to raise awareness of what we do.
One of our East Coast Samaritans volunteers has kindly supplied the following report:
"It was a perfect August Bank Holiday morning as I set off to join my fellow Samaritan volunteers in the Tinahely Show.
As I neared the site I was greeted by a local Garda directing traffic into the first car park, I rolled down my window and he noted my Samaritans t-shirt and said, 'You carry on straight ahead to my next colleague and he will direct onto the main entrance, have a good day sir!'.
I met the next Garda and he waved me through and arriving at the main gate, the polite traffic Marshall gave me directions for where to park.
I found a nice spot alongside rows and rows of stands where smiling, happy people were bustling by, chatting and stopping to look at all the splendid goods that were on offer. These included the most beautiful wood carvings - carved with a chainsaw - together with statues, garden seats and much more; along with everything a farmer or tradesman could need, from tools to tractors and work clothes.
There was a funfair to delight and entertain all ages, a farmers' food markets and so many more ways for one to spend the day.
I arrived at our marquee to find our Samaritans stand - distinct from all the others with its balloons, beautiful hampers and all sorts of gifts for our monster raffle.
Passers-by were delighted to stop to share their support for what they called a very deserving cause, and thank us so very much for everything we do.
The chats and smiles were mighty: fathers, mothers with sons and daughters, teenagers and children all stopping by to have a word with us, buy a raffle ticket, or take a wristband or pen. Everyone appeared to be delighted with themselves.
The banter and laughter between the volunteers and the passers by was a joy to watch. There was such friendliness expressed to the volunteers, and by ourselves in return, and great excitement at the thought of being the winner of one of our lovely prizes.
The time came to make the draw. One of our volunteers stepped out into the crowd of passers-by and asked people of all ages to draw a ticket. The excitement was immense! 1st, then 2nd, 3rd, 4th and many more.
Finally, all the winners were called up one by one to come and claim their prize - delighted to be both a winner and a part of the Samaritans' kindness and support for so many.
A wonderful ending to a perfect day! A massive thank-you to all our volunteers that took part and helped to make it such a success."
