Virginia antiques show to raise money for rare skin condition
The parents of a nine-year-old Cavan girl with a rare skin condition are bringing a fundraising show of rare antique collectables to the Virginia Show Centre this Sunday. (April 19)
The event is in aid of Debra, the national charity that supports the 300 people in Ireland living with Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB).
Also known as ‘Butterfly Skin’, the rare, genetic skin condition makes skin so fragile that it blisters at the mildest touch.
“Our little lassie, Kathleena, was adopted from China when she was a one-year old,” said dad and event organiser John Clancy.
“She has Dominant Dystropic EB, but still plays football and goes to gymnastics and swimming – whatever she wants to do, we let her give it a try because she can find her own limitations.
“We knew she had EB when we went to Wuhan to adopt her and Debra sent us over stocked like a small hospital.
“They have been a great support ever since and I cannot praise them or Crumlin Hospital enough.”
The show will be open to the public this Sunday from 11.30am-4.30pm, with an admission price of €10 for adults; children are free.
Coordinators John and his wife, Tina Tully, also have a son, Ivan, 15, whom they adopted from Russia.
“The idea for the show came from the fact that I have spent forty years collecting stuff, I am a bit of an addict and a hoarder - Tina says I’m worth more dead than alive,” said John.
“We have all kinds of stuff, from household items to agricultural tools, ledgers and books out of mills and shops here in Virginia.
“We are also expecting other dealers from all over the country to come to display or sell their antiques and collectables.”
Highlights on the day will include a Triang toy display, the Stick Men, the Vintage Radio Roadshow, Crafts of Ireland and a performance by Kilinkere Comhaltas.
Attendees can explore a Virginia 400 photographic display, which offers a rare insight into Irish life in the early 1900s to 1960s.
In addition to heritage and antique collectables, there will be demonstrations of grinding grain by quern stones, basket making and butter churning.
The family of the late John Keenan from Castleblayney, who was due to be the chairman of the event and was formerly the President of the Irish Vintage Engine and Tractor Association (IVETA), will attend to display his collection.
“John and I were the two main organisers but unfortunately, he passed away on St Patrick’s Day, a month ago.
“We were in two minds about whether the show should go ahead or not but a couple of days after the funeral I got the call to say the family would be in Virginia on April 19 to help raise money for Debra.”
To support Debra’s work, visit debra.ie/give.