Connacht Support Shave Or Dye Event

On Friday, July 19, Connacht coaches and players will make their way to Sherry’s Bar in Clarinbridge to have their chests and legs waxed.

This is not part of Connacht head coach Pat Lam’s new pre-season regime, but rather a show of support for local man Kevin Whelehan who is holding the ‘Shave or Dye’ event to raise money for two charities – Cancer Care West and Cancer Research.

Kevin was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in May 2012. At 51 years of age, he underwent surgery at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Dublin. July 19, the date of the event, is a year to the day since Kevin left St. Vincent’s and it is also his 53rd Birthday.

His long-time friend and Connacht assistant coach Dan McFarland is delighted to help out next week and will be walking away from the event with silky smooth legs.

“Kevin and his wife Rosie have been good friends of Danielle and myself? since we arrived in Galway,” said Dan.

“He is an inspirational individual, who is never? less than 100% positive in everything he does. It is a real pleasure to be? involved with Kevin in raising money for Cancer Care West.

“Although I was? hoping to get away with a head shave, a couple of pints in Sherry’s and a? pair of smooth legs doesn’t sound too bad. The most troubling thing was how? keen ‘Swifty’ was to get a chest wax!”

Pat Lam will be joining senior players Michael Swift and John Muldoon at the fundraiser and offering their legs/chests to the waxing strips.

There will also be a competition held on the night with the chance to win the honour of waxing John Muldoon.

Organiser Kevin Whelehan said: “Connacht Rugby is putting their weight, strength and power behind the Shave or Dye event in Sherry’s, Clarinbridge in aid of Cancer Care West.

“I could not have asked for or expected this level of support. A big thank you to Dan (McFarland), Pat (Lam), John (Muldoon) and Michael (Swift) who are all giving freely, not just of their time, but also of their hair!

“Talk about living Connacht values and bringing the motto ‘Front Up, Rise Up’ to life. This is community spirit at its very best, it’s not surprising Connacht are going from strength to strength.

“Next Friday promises to be a fantastic night so get down to Sherry’s Bar to show your support for two worthy charities and to watch the Connacht lads endure a different type of pain to what they’re used to on the rugby pitch.”

Click here to view the charity event page – 8pm, Sherry’s Bar, Clarinbridge, Galway, Friday, July 19.