MARY’S Day will return to Dunoon this weekend, with dozens of pool players preparing to take part in an all-day tournament held in memory of local woman Mary Stirling.
The annual event was established by Mary’s father, Grant Stirling, following her death from cancer in 2021 at the age of just 32.
Over the past five years, Mary’s Day has brought people together to remember the popular Dunoon woman while raising money for local charities and good causes.
This year’s event takes place on Saturday, with around 64 competitors expected to take part in a pool tournament played across various venues.
The competition will get under way at 11am, with matches taking place at the Victoria Bar, Kirn and Hunters Quay Bowling Club and Sinbads Bar.
The tournament will culminate with the final later that day at Sinbads, where Mary previously worked and which continues to hold a special place in the hearts of her family and friends.
A raffle will also be held, with a range of prizes donated by local businesses and supporters, before competitors and guests raise a ‘wee toast’ to Mary during the presentations.
Grant has become well known for taking on gruelling fundraising challenges in his daughter’s memory.
In 2023, he cycled more than 210 miles from Inverurie to Dunoon alongside three friends over four days.
Last year, after months of training, he swapped his bike for swimming trunks to tackle a swim across the Firth of Clyde from Gourock to Dunoon in support of Cowal Hospice and Macmillan Nurses.
This year, however, Grant will be taking a well-earned break from the physical challenges and concentrating on enjoying Mary’s Day alongside those who have supported the event since it began.
He has thanked everyone who has donated raffle prizes, helped organise events and supported Mary’s Day over the past five years.
Saturday’s pool tournament begins at 11am, with the final and presentations taking place at Sinbads Bar later in the day.
