Charity benefits from Game Nights

GAME ON. Kieran McGilligan, Proprietor of the Bushtown Hotel and Supervisor Terrance O'Hagan (2nd right and right respectively), pictured handing over a cheque for £4,200.00 to Ethna Watterson MBE and Trevor Wilson from the Causeway Branch of Parkinson's UK. The money was raised at Game Nights and included (left) is Terrance O'Hagan, Gamekeeper at Fairview.CR5-108SC.

Last week the management and staff of the hotel presented a cheque for £4,200 to the Causeway Coast Branch of the Parkinson’s Disease Society following the Games Nights in 2013.

Hotel Director and avid conservationist, Kieran McGilligan, said: “Over the last few years we have seen the popularity of game food increase dramatically with almost 400 people in attendance last year.

“It is a credit to the local sporting communities, who are very passionate about their sport, promoting the consumption of game food and the support of local charities.

“The game nights are something completely different allowing attendees the opportunity to try natural food at its best.”

Originally the game nights were attended by mostly field sports enthusiasts, giving them the chance to meet up and reflect on the season’s memories; though in the last two years there has been a growing number of the general public in attendance.

People wwho attend the events come from all walks of life and come back year after year.

There is a huge effort made every year to raise money for the Causeway Coast Branch of the Parkinson’s Disease Society and to date over £16,000 has been raised. Donations are made from all corners of the sporting community with some coming from as far away as the Cluny estate in Scotland.

The game nights are run in association with estates, Fairview (Castledawson, Keeper Terrance O’Hagen) and Glenarm (Keeper Barry Kelly).

This year’s event will take place in the Bushtown Hotel on Friday 7th and Saturday 8th February. Attendees will yet again witness what has been deemed to be largest celebration of game food in the UK.