Pat McEnteggart Fundraiser

As many of you are already aware, our good friend and highly esteemed member of our local Irish community, Pat McEnteggart (or "Dinky' as he is affectionately known), got the life-changing news that he had a tumour on his liver. The subsequent eighteen months has been a rollercoaster of physical and emotional trials as Pat embarked on an arduous regime of necessary tests to determine whether he was a suitable candidate for a transplant.

Finally, the long-awaited phone call came on the 3rd February and his liver transplant was carried out the following day. Pat has suffered setbacks since his surgery including several hospitalisations. He been unable to work for a prolonged period and neither he nor his wife will be able to work for the foreseeable future as an extended period of recuperation looms that will involve full-time care and monitoring.

Pat hails from County Armagh. He has worked in hospitality for many years and is known throughout Ireland and the Bay Area. Indeed many of you will have enjoyed the traditional Irish fayre he served up at various establishments, most recently the San Francisco United Irish Cultural Center. Pat is renowned for his hard work and generosity, always putting the needs of others before his own. For over four decades, his family has contributed unselfishly to the Irish community in San Francisco and the wider Bay Area.

Since immigrating in the early eighties, Pat and his wife Liz were first to kick in, always at the helm, volunteering their time and specific talent, whenever funds were needed to support others in a time of need. Those of you who know them will agree that they are the kindest, most compassionate people you could meet.

A stalwart player in the wider GAA arena, Pat has been a familiar figure every Sunday cheering on the Gaelic teams at Treasure Ireland in San Francisco and continues to support the development of not just the GAA, but all aspects of Irish Culture.

When not donning his Ulster Gaelic Club jersey, Pat is easily spotted in his green and white stripes. His prowess as a player on the soccer pitch with the San Francisco Celtics was followed by a period of dedicated coaching. A lifelong Glasgow Celtic fan, he recently enjoyed a visit to Parkhead where he met up with many of his old die-hard Celtic supporter friends.

Inevitably, these recent life-changing events have and will continue for a time, to create relentless pressures and financial hardship. Extorinate medical and living expenses are accumulating very quickly and no doubt Pat will continue to incur unforeseen medical costs. It is our turn to help alleviate the stress and pressure and give back to the McEnteggart Family.

Despite everything he has endured, Pat looks to the future with hope and optimism. We know we can count on your compassion and support to propel him on his journey to recovery. Please donate to this truly credible cause.

Thank you for your kindness.