Memorable 70th birthday fundraiser by Pat McGrath for Donegal Cancer Bus

It was big birthday celebration time on Saturday night last when the very popular and big-hearted Pat McGrath celebrated his 70th birthday in style at the Bridgend Bar in Ballyshannon.
Pat is a cattle dealer by trade, for which he is well-known and respected, but equally at ease and admired within GAA circles, through his involvement with his beloved Aodh Ruadh GAA club.
Pat was joined on the night by his wife Mary, mum Phyllis who is 93 years young, children Anthony, Packie, Damien and Sinead to celebrate the very special birthday.
He is also the brother of Mick McGrath, who has just stepped down as the chairperson of the Donegal GAA county board after a five year term.

Pat McGrath, from Cashelard Ballyshannon who celebrated his 70th birthday party in the Bridgend Bar, Ballyshannon on Saturday night, with all proceeds going to Donegal Cancer Bus. He is pictured with his wife Mary and their family, Sinead, Damien, Packie and Anthony. ALL PHOTOS: Thomas Gallagher

Pat decided that he was not just going to let the milestone event in his life pass him by, without making it a noteworthy gesture of generosity to the most worthy of causes. It was something he also did on his 60th birthday as well for the North West Hospice.

This he did, by arranging that all birthday presents and gifts should come in the form of donations to the bus charity that transports patients being treated for cancer on a weekly basis from Donegal to Galway.
He told the Democrat: “It was a very special night. I was deeply humbled. We had hoped to raise €3,000 originally but that figure has now doubled and more money is still coming in as we speak. Donations can still be made until the end of the month, either through myself or dropping it into the Bridgend Bar over the weekend.”
“I want to thank so many, including friends and neighbours, and a surprise appearance of some cousins that travelled down from Belfast on the night. There were some very generous contributions. Once you mention that word cancer it reaches everywhere and it does not discriminate over which person’s door it enters. We had in excess of 30 prizes on the night.
“It is a great personal satisfaction that the money is going directly to the cancer bus. I said on the night that it was a shame that it gets no government assistance whatsoever.”
On the night as well, there was also a special auction and raffle with all the proceeds going to the Cancer Bus.
The MC was Billy Grimes with the backing of talented local musicians John Meehan and Jason Kelly.