There wasn’t room to move in Kanturk mart on Friday night as over 800 people packed the place for a giant auction in support of Rickie Healy. Rickie, who is from a farming family near Ballyclough, is entering rehab treatment for a spinal injury sustained in an accident last summer.

According to chief organiser, Caroline O’Connell – whose dad Tim conducted the auction – the plan was to raise €60,000 but thanks to the huge support of the local community that target has been handsomely exceeded.

“We received tremendous support, support we didn’t even have to ask for as people offered to help,” she said.

The auction included 68 calves, weanlings and older animals, all of which had either been donated, reared or sponsored by local farmers and businesses. It kicked off with the sale of a white head bull calf which made €370, followed by a Belgium Blue calf which went for €460.

Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed tried his hand at a spot of auctioneering, selling two pedigree Limousin heifers sponsored by Rickie’s uncles Ted, Ger and Eddie Healy for €1,500 and €1,750.

Other auction items included a pair of Ed Sheeran tickets which made €470 and a "morning on the gallops" with one of the country’s leading racehorse trainers, Henry De Bromhead, which sold for €500.

However, the biggest price of the night was achieved for a framed Irish rugby jersey signed by our newly minted Grand Slam team. It made €2,120. All proceeds from the event will go to the Rickie Healy appeal.

Speaking after the auction, Minister Creed congratulated everyone involved and said the event proved that community spirit was alive and well in rural Ireland.

There was tea and sandwiches for all and no need for central heating when, after the auction, musician Liam O’Connor got the huge crowd hopping for the best part of an hour.

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