ALMOST £10,000 RAISED AT THE PAUL KEOHANE MEMORIAL LUNCH

THE PAUL KEOHANE MEMORIAL LUNCH AND FUND-RAISING EVENT NEARLY £10,000 RAISED ON A MEMORABLE DAY The inaugural lunch was held at Thanet Wanderers clubhouse on Saturday 23rd January 2016. Over 100 sat down to a very enjoyable meal and initially heard from Gary Frame who played with Paul at the Wanderers and who was one of the instigators of the day of celebration and fund raising. Gary extended a very warm welcome to Paul's wife Eleanor and their daughters Freya, Ursula, Madeline and Cordelia. Paul's parents, long time Wanderers supporter Tom and his wife Jan who were joined by his siblings Mark, John and Julie and their families. Gary outlined his friend's outstanding sporting, scholastic and business career and noted particularly how he enjoyed playing at Thanet Wanderers and how many Wanderers were better players after playing rugby with Paul. It is planned that money raised should be used locally and will be used in part to fund a bursarship, in Paul's name, that will aid a young Thanet sportsman further his career. Half of the money raised is earmarked for The Pilgrim's Hospice and Caroline Dixon spoke explaining how important events like todays were in funding the ongoing work of the Hospice. Vice Chairman of the club Chris Marson and Club Events Manager Jimmy Greene then took over to detail the marvellous array of donated items that were available by means of auctions and raffles and commence the process of emptying the wallets and purses of those present. The Wanderers of today duly won an exciting match versus Horsham and events in the clubhouse recommenced. Paul's brother John, who himself had a distinguished rugby career spoke movingly of his modest brother who had enriched so many lives in his all too brief life. Chris Marson expertly conducted the auctions and the youngsters of the Keohane family drew the tickets for the raffle. It is not recorded what they made later of the antics of some of the players who removed their shirts before standing

27 January 2016