Success was in the air at the Knockainey National School Fundraising Com-mittee Race Night in Bul-gaden Castle last Friday. The venue was set up to resemble a race course: the weigh in scales, tote, pay-out and of course the winner’s enclosure. More than five hundred people attended the function ranging in age from elder statesman of the parish Tommy Cooke to two week old Sadhbh Feely.

A major contribution to the fun on the night was the wit, humour and com-mentary of the MC, Paul Collins from “Today FM” before, during and after each race. The best dressed lady competition was judged by Becky Costello, former Miss Limerick and was won by Michelle Fitzpatrick, whose prize was sponsored by Limerick Race Course. All flower arrangements for the night were provided by Mary Lyons, Country Blossoms. Also deserving apprecia-tion are “Never the Less” and “Night Fall” who provided the entertainment and their continued support is very much appreciated. A big thank you to the sponsors of the races and to everyone who had advertisements in the programme. Conal Kelly and the staff of Bulgaden Castle were thanked for their support. The final “Thank you” of the night was reserved for the parishioners of Knock-ainey, Lough Gur and the surrounding parishes who provided so much support.

The aim of the fundraising events, which has been entered into with so much commitment and enthu-siasm by the committee, was to raise the shortfall of €60,000 for the first phase of the school and to the great delight of everyone chairman John MacNamara revealed that they were extremely close to their target.