Swatragh bar raises thousands of pounds for The Open Doors Club

Big-hearted punters and staff at a Swatragh bar have raised thousands of pounds for a local charity over the last number of years.

Wee Pat's Bar has been actively fundraising for The Open Doors Club, also based in the village, for the last three years.

Since September 2022, Wee Pat’s customers have filled 13 counter charity boxes, raising £3,595.

In November 2024, local men Paddy McCready and Kieran McGuigan organised a 'Movember' fundraiser shave raising an amazing amount of £4,800 for the group.

At Christmas, staff and customers organised three separate fundraisers.

A pool competition, organised by Paddy McCready raised £760 while the Christmas morning collection raised a fantastic amount of £389.40.

In addition, the counter charity box raised £410.60, bringing this to an amazing total of £1,560.

Margaret McFlynn, of The Open Doors Club, extended her gratitude to Wee Pat's stating: “Open Doors Club would like to thank Paddy and Nichola Bradley, the customers and staff of Wee Pat’s Bar for their continuing generosity and kindness as this is very much appreciated.”

Originally established in 1999, since July 2022 Open Doors Club has been an independent voluntary group dedicated to the most vulnerable, disabled and disadvantaged people living in the rural community of Swatragh and surrounding villages.

The organisation has some 30+ members ranging in ages from 14 to 50 with different disabilities, physical, learning, autism, dyslexia and downs syndrome.