In association with Finbar Hoban Presents, three bands again will again provide the finest of music while helping to raise funds for C.A.R.I. (Children At Risk In Ireland)!  Hosted by Karen Conway, Saturday 3rd October 2009 at 9pm sees Mulroy's Bar Ritz as the venue for Castlebar's third Charity Rock Ball with Castlebar's Hot Rock, Mother Black Cap & Galway's 21 Outs. Also on the night there will be a Guitar Hero Challenge & the second CARI Cream Cracker Charity Challenge. The current world record is 3 crackers (without liquid) in 14.45 seconds & the challengers are attempting to match this record while also seeing how many crackers they can eat in a minute.

CARI_launch_Rock_night. Photo Michael Donnelly.

The numbers involved in the serious preparations to be the Cream Cracker Champion around the County have increased. Challengers now include Keith Bourke (Western People), Stephen Connolly (Connaught Telegraph),  Shane Cunningham, Sheila Cunningham, Sharon Deasy, Carmel Donnelly, Martha Egan, Fiona Forkan, Clr Brendan Henaghan, Clr Michael Kilcoyne, James Larkin, Teresa Moran,  Kieran Munnelly, James Murray,  Philip McDonagh, Paul McDonagh, Edwin McGreal, (Mayo News) Liam McLoughin, Teresa O'Brien, Joan O'Grady, Sinead Parsons, Alan Reilly, Clr Therese Ruane & Marie Tresnan. A little friendly competition between local papers & local politicians will also occur during the Challenge.

Back to the Rock Ball, "Hot Rock" will be first band up & there are quiet hopes they will repeat their unique version of  The Sultans of Ping FC "Where's me Jumper"! With a huge local following "Mother Black Cap" is a little venture away for Castlebar band "Kneel Before Zod" covering versions including Nirvana, Pink Floyd, Neil Young & Black Sabbath. Fresh from supporting Jape, final band of the night are "21 Outs" who are no strangers to the Bar Ritz venue.  Sharing their blend of original & well known tracks from their Galway base, supported by some of the finest guitar playing you will hear anywhere.

So besides having a great night where is your hard earned money going to with this Charity Rock Ball? On behalf of CARI, Karen Conway is raising funds to aid Children At Risk In Ireland. Working in conjunction with Childline, Parents, Social Workers & Teachers, CARI is the only voluntary organisation in Ireland providing professional child-centred therapy, counselling and support services to children who have experienced child sexual abuse and their non-abusing family members/carers. Further information on CARI can be found on www.cari.ie. or they can be contacted on 1890 924 56.  So put Saturday 3rd October in your diary/phone where you will not only enjoy the musical talents of the Rock Ball but also help a worthwhile children's charity.

Below are photographs taken by Michael Donnelly during the 2008 CARI Cream Cracker Challenge in Castlebar.

2008 Cream Cracker Challenge Aidan Bolger acknowledges the crowd while Adrian Ryan tackles the crackers.

2008 Cream Challenge Adian Bolger, Ryo & Seamus prepare themselves for the challenge.

2008 Charity Rock Ball & Cream Cracker Challenge - Broke Til Thursday full band.

2008 Cream Cracker Challenge Champion Miguel Sanchez with a well deserved drink.

2008 Charity Rock Ball & Cream Cracker Challenge - Broke Til Thursday.

2008 Cream Cracker Challenge Jonathon from Sons of Gingerbread easily finishes his crackers within a minute.

2008 Cream Cracker Challenge liquids at the ready after many crackers. Photo Michael Donnelly

2008 Cream Cracker Challenge Ryo & Seamus settle into the challenge.

2008 Cream Cracker Challenge Sheila Cunningham faces stuff competition from eventual winner.

2008 Charity Rock Ball & Cream Cracker Challenge Sons of Gingerbread.

2008 Charity Rock Ball & Cream Cracker Challenge Sons of Gingerbread band.

2008 Cream Cracker Challenge Shelley & Jonathon acknowledge the Cream Cracker Champion Miguel.

2008 Cream Cracker Challenge - L-R Shane Cunningham, Ruairi Kelly, Shelley McCormack & Philip McDonagh.

2008 Cream Cracker Challenge including Stephen Connolly & Hassan Dabbagh.