Irish community rallies behind man following brain surgery

Niall Hurley was scheduled to fly home to Tralee, Ireland, as his twoyear work visa wrapped up, when he collapsed and was rushed to hospital.

After spending two years in Calgary working as a carpenter, the 28-year-old was going to fly back Feb. 16. A few days before the trip, he was taken to Foothills Hospital, where doctors determined he had a brain tumour.

Following a 10-hour operation, the neurosurgeon told family members that Niall’s recovery could take up to two years. Once he is able to fly home, he is expected to require the help of a doctor and nurse to travel with him.

As Niall’s parents, who rushed to Canada after hearing about his health, remain at their son’s side, the Irish community in Calgary is rallying around the family to support them through the long recovery process.

A GoFundMe page had already raised about $3,000 in a day as of Sunday afternoon, and community members are hoping to collect $10,000 to help the family.

Niall’s brother, Ian Hurley, called the gesture incredible.

“Unbelievable — we don’t know what to say,” said Ian, who has been living in Calgary for four years and is a permanent Canadian resident. Ian said Niall’s progress has already been remarkable. His voice is starting to return and he is able to communicate with his family, spelling out words when others can’t understand what he’s saying.

“We’re hoping there’s no permanent damage,” Ian said.

He added it’s frightening to think about what the outcome might have been if he had boarded his scheduled flight.

The fundraising page can be found at gofundme.com/irishcultural-society-calgary.