The Avondhu

Knitted chicks raising funds for Marymount

KATIE GLAVIN

It’s the time of year again when chocolate eggs fill the selves and bunnies and chicks are in abundance as spring breaks through, but for one local group, it’s the time of year for knitting.

Around Easter each year, readers may be aware of the little knitted chickens sold with a chocolate egg inside them that appear in local shops as a charity fundraiser.

In Fermoy and surrounds, the cute knitted chicks are the creation of a local group led by Clare Lombard, who set about knitting and then selling the seasonal delights in aid of Marymount Hospice.

Meeting with TheAvondhu, Clare explained that the group get together annually for the cause and this year, have a number of new knitters come on board through the Needlecraft group based in the Fermoy Library.

“It’s an annual thing that we do for the six weeks coming up to Easter. Last year we raised €3,780. If we can up that, even by another €100 this year, it will be great,” Clare said.

A host of locals are involved in the creation of the knitted chickens, donating their time, skill and wool towards the cause.

One woman, Bridie Freeman, who has been knitting the chicks annually for a number of years, is now 90 years young and by Thursday, had knitted a total of 50 fundraising chocolate-filled chicks.

Knitted chicks are currently on sale locally in Fermoy, Mitchelstown, Mallow, Youghal, Cork City, Rathcormac, Castlelyons and Tallow.

In Fermoy, the fundraising chicks can be purchased at The Heron Café, Shinnick’s Spar, Centra, D&M Fruit and Veg, Bermingham’s, the Credit Union, Slimming World, Mairead’s Hair Design and other outlets.

The needlecraft and knitting group, who meet in the Library each Thursday at 2.30pm, are a relatively new group, which sees members come together for knitting, crocheting, etc with beginners and advanced practitioners all welcome. Coming together over a love of the craft, members have fast become firm friends and according to Clare, after spending an hour at the library knitting and crafting, the group often continue to Jeni’s Café to enjoy a tea or coffee as they continue their conversations and crafts.

Thanks were extended to those who sponsored or donated Creme Eggs to the cause this year - all that’s left for the public to do now is to support this worthy cause!

AVON DHU

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2023-03-30T07:00:00.0000000Z

2023-03-30T07:00:00.0000000Z

https://avondhu.pressreader.com/article/281827173025202

The Avondhu (Ireland)