On Friday, twelve men will dress up in clothing that for them is not the norm and incorporate new characters as part of a beauty contest with a difference, all in aid of Rape Crisis Midwest.
Hotel Woodstock hosts the seventh running of Dainty Daisies with all funds going towards the operation costs of Rape Crisis Midwest’s Ennis centre. The format will feature a series of Lip Sync Battles plus interview challenges. Milliner Margaret O’Connor from Notions in Ennis, past participant Joe O’Connell and Cllr Mary Howard are the judges on the night.
A number of volunteers from are responsible for the running of Dainty Daisies. Sharon Meaney of the Clare Volunteer Centre insisted they were delighted to be involved. “We want to acknowledge the bravery and bravado of the men who have taken part over the last number years. Through their fundraising, they have made a real difference to the people who benefit from the services of the counselling centre in Ennis. A special thank you also to the volunteers who work behind the scenes, ensuring the night is a success”.
As indicated by a spokesperson for Rape Crisis Midwest, they receive no government funding to service the overhead costs connected with their service in Clare. “We rely on the generosity of the public in maintaining services locally here in the community. We would ask you to support us and come along to the event”.
THE CONTESTANTS:
Ian Dinan – Self-employed as the Managing Owner of Magpies Consulting. From Clarecastle with strong Fine Gael connections.
Willie Treacy – The Corofin is married with children and works for Safe-T Group.
Pádraig McCarthy – Originally from West Clare but now living in Rathclooney and runs the popular Fogartys Bar in Crusheen with his wife Mary.
Eamon Keane – An account based in Ennis, the Kilmurry McMahon man won’t be relying on his sums to impress the judges.
Pater O’Connell – Editor of The Clare Champion, the Shannon Gaels coach will hope the fake tan won’t be as prominent when they compete in the Clare IFC semi-final at the weekend.
Brendan Vaughan – Miltown Malbay born and bred, he does groundwork across the county and will need have already started such work if he is to impress the three judges.
Alvara Ramirez – Grew up Nicaragua and East Clare but Ennis is now the place he calls home. An acupuncturist by profession, he works in a family business, Chiren Therapy.
Abiodun Ladigbolu – Born in Nigerian, he is very active in Ennis’ Nigerian community. Works as a community activist.
David Carroll – From Limerick but has crossed the border to set up home in Ennis where he is now married and working with Best Price Tiles.
Jaco Pretorius – Still celebrating following Ennis Tidy Towns’ success this week, the volunteer is employed by Lufthansa.
Cyril Cusack – A native of Newmarket-on-Fergus, Cyril is living in Ennis where he now runs a family undertaker’s business.
Trevor Gordon – Expressed an interest in supporting the cause, the Sligo man has family connections in Clare and is involved with the Cycle Against Suicide charity.
