THERE WAS magic and mayhem in Kenny's Pint Depot in Carnew last weekend as people turned out in force for the Aoife Kennedy Memorial Fund fancy dress party.

Undaunted by the bad weather, supporters kitted out in an array of colourful costumes and helped raise a sizeable sum for CAN (Cottage Autism Network). All of the money raised on the night will be used to fund the purchase of occupational therapy equipment for the autistic unit at St. Senan's Primary School in Enniscorthy.

There were hilarious costumes on the night and revellers enjoyed the music of Ireland's number one Elvis, Cathal Byrne.

Another class act of the evening was Michael Flood from Gorey, whose powerful tenor voice entertained people with songs from Les Miserables to Tom Jones. Local DJ Pat Fleming topped off the bill with hits from the sixties upwards and kept people entertained into the early hours.

The winners of the fancy dress were: Best Dressed Couple: Zorro and Pirate Queen – Patricia and Kevin Browne from Ferns, Most Topical Group: The Monks – Dougie House, Carnew and Pat Farrell, Gore; Best Original Theme: 'Buddha' – Liam Kenny, Carnew and Best Individual: Poison Ivy.

A monster raffle was held with a host of wonderful prizes donated by businesses from Carnew, Bunclody, Gorey and surrounding areas. The top prize winners was Jackie Peake from Ferns who won a midweek break for two in one of the Brennan Group hotels.

Aoife Kennedy's Fund was set up by her parents Caroline and Matthew Kennedy, Ballyellis, Carnew, following the untimely tragic death of their daughter in November 2006.

The committee organising the event included Caroline Kennedy, Colm Moules, Michael Dunbar and Ailish Walsh who put in trogan work to ensure the success of this event.