February 28, 2011 by Niamh Flynn
Six weeks and Counting!
What: The St. Patrick’s Cheltenham Charity Derby in aid of Cancer Research UK
Where: Prestbury Park, Cheltenham
When: Thursday 17th March 2011
Who: Jockey – Niamh Flynn Owner & Trainer – TBC…..
A busy week was in store for me this week. After realizing the power of my selling techniques at Punchestown last Sunday I was on a roll and oozing with confidence. Anyone who turned me down for sponsorship was really in for it!
Monday I put my Cheltenham preparations and fundraising aside as I attended a farewell supper for fellow colleague and auctioneer extradionaire Philip Purcell after just less than 35 years of selling for Tattersalls Ireland and Ballsbridge Sales. A lovely evening was had by all at Dunboyne Castle and it was great to take some time off and catch up with everyone.
Tattersalls Ireland hosted their February National Hunt Sale on Tuesday which saw me on duty in my professional role although at times I changed into my amateur jockey role when I saw a few familiar faces and pounced on them for sponsorship. Thank you to all who made donations. Jean and Fanny at reception were also keeping a glary eye out for any potential sponsors with heavy pockets and came up trumps nabbing anyone who past their post. Thank you ladies!
On Wednesday evening I took to a new form of training that I had never attempted before – GAA Football Training! My close friend Danielle McSorley is the captain of the St. Finian’s Ladies GAA Football team and invited me along for a training session and to test my stamina. Although I am still trying to master the technique of actually kicking the ball, the manager was very impressed with my efforts and even extended the invitation to playing a match on Monday. Not too sure if I am quite ready for that yet but thank you!
Thursday morning I got of bed with the expectation that I would feel a rather severe “pinch” in my legs, but surprisingly enough I was pain free bar a massive bruise on my chest where I though I was a six foot rugby player and went in for a tattle (reminding you all I am only five foot!). Today all my fellow colleagues at Tattersalls in Newmarket got behind me in my campaign to raise as much money as possible for Cancer Research UK and donated quite a lot of money on my “Just Giving” page. Anyone can log on to this page and make a donation. It’s totally secure and the money goes straight to charity. Check out my Just Giving page – http://www.justgiving.com/Niamh-Flynn.
Friday morning on the way to work I called into Woodpark Stud. I was taken back by its beauty, its well maintained gardens and yards and its friendly staff. Kildangan Stud have kindly donated three framed prints as prizes for my raffle taking place on Friday February 25th in Fergie’s Bar, Kilmessan, Co. Meath. Tickets for the raffle are a mere €20.00 and you can purchase them by contacting me on 086 1728320 or email nflynn@tattersalls.ie.
Alarm set bright and early for Saturday morning and off I went to Gordon Elliott’s yard. I have to say I resemble a Michelin Man as I could not seem to locate waterproofs anywhere that morning and had to resort to ski sallopets! I rode four lots today and really feel that I am getting stronger week by week. I’m also grasping the concept of dropping my hands and getting the horse to settle. After Gordon’s I headed for Boyne Bank where I rode another two lots. Today Ireland were playing Italy in the Six Nations Rugby today, but I decided to go on another mission…. To seek out waterproofs! Not an easy task I have. I went to a few local tack outlets but had no joy! I might be mistaken for a Michelin Man for a little bit longer!
On Sunday I was looking forward to heading to Leopardstown for the running of the Hennessy Gold Cup and also to hopefully raise more funds for Cancer Research UK but unfortunately it fell victim to the rain and was postponed till next Saturday. Instead I wrapped myself in layers and went to visit my two Connemara foals. Then it was out for a 4km jog just to keep the momentum going.
I’m looking forward to the week ahead. I have a lot of preparation to do for the table quiz on February 25th and I also intend to get a lot more riding out done. And I have a return to football training on Wednesday night!
As all my efforts are for a great cause, I am seeking sponsorship for this wonderful charity, Cancer Research UK. All donations however great or little are really appreciated! To donate, phone me on 086 1728320, email nflynn@tattersalls.ie, go to your nearest AIB branch and make a lodgment to account no. 93-70-96 1899 7583 or log on to my Just Giving page - http://www.justgiving.com/Niamh-Flynn.
Thank you!
Niamh x
Share & Enjoy
