Wexford Shines at Inaugural Relay For Life National Event in Aviva Stadium.
Wexford proudly represented its vibrant community at the historic inaugural Relay For Life National Event, which took place at the iconic Aviva Stadium on the evening of Friday, September 29th.
Survivors, team members, and committee representatives from Wexford were extended a warm welcome as honored guests by the Irish Cancer Society at this prestigious gathering. The "Celebrate and Remember" event, a condensed version of the 24-hour Relay For Life event, captivated attendees during a four-hour window from 6pm to 10pm. This evening was designed to showcase the incredible spirit and significance of Relay For Life, a worldwide phenomenon which has been an annual event here in Wexford since 2016.
Wexford's survivors were treated to an unforgettable experience, enjoying premium-level hospitality and an exclusive meet-and-greet opportunity with Relay For Life Ambassador, Shane Filan. This special occasion also facilitated connections among survivors from various Relay events across the country.
Team members and committee participants from Wexford were invited to join the festivities, contributing their dedication and enthusiasm to enhance the magic of Relay For Life for newcomers.
The opening ceremony was ignited by the electrifying performance from "Extreme Rhythm," a local favorite well-known for their contributions to Wexford's Relay events.
At the heart of the event, an emotional "Empty Table" installation, created by local artist Helen McLean, stood prominently pitch-side. This poignant display symbolized the absence of loved ones, reminding all in attendance of the profound impact of cancer on families and communities.
A touching poem, "12 Months," written exclusively for Relay For Life Wexford by Sam Freegrove, was recited by the esteemed Global Hero of Hope, Majella O’Donnell. This moving piece preceded the candle-lit tribute, where guests of honor, including Shane Filan, Ciara Dignam, and the Murphy family, illuminated candle bags in memory of their loved ones.
It is worth noting that this remarkable event was a tribute to the late Carmel Murphy, Wexford's Staff Partner with the Irish Cancer Society. Carmel, despite her own battle with cancer, collaborated closely with the Relay For Life committee for several years and was inspired by the work of our late Chairperson Gay Murphy and our amazing survivors and teams here in Wexford. Averil Power, CEO of the Irish Cancer Society recognised Carmel at the event for the pivotal role she played in bringing this national event to fruition.
The "Celebrate and Remember" event featured a star-studded lineup, with appearances by Relay For Life Ambassador Shane Filan, accompanied by his family and bandmate Nicky Byrne. The musical performances included talents like Emma Power and Ciara Dignam, among others, with Newstalk’s Andrea Gilligan serving as the evening's Master of Ceremonies.
In summary, the journey from Wexford to the Aviva Stadium for this event was undoubtedly a memorable experience for all participants. Relay For Life continues to inspire communities and individuals to come together in the fight against cancer, showcasing the incredible strength and unity of the Wexford spirit.
