Over €90k raised for Ian as clubs unite acrosscountybounds
EVER since Spa GAA came up with the idea of raising funds for injured teenager Ian O’Connell the outpouring of generosity has been nothing short of amazing with sporting clubs across all codes lending support.
Ian (16) from Pinewood Estate sustained spinal and neck injuries in a bike accident in Killarney National Park in August when his bike hit a tree stump. He is currently being treated in Dublin’s Mater Hospital and is said to be lifted by news of all the support back home. Over 20,000 lotto tickets were requested by clubs across Kerry representing sports like soccer, pitch and putt, angling with many local businesses and schools also making donations direct to the fund.
The Cork connection stems from Ian’s dad, Mike, who is from Boherbee where the local GAA club decided to forego its regular weekly lotto to hold a special lotto for Ian. The fundraising has been in full swing for the past few weeks and culminated in The Torc Hotel, Killarney on Sunday where a large crowd gathered for the lotto draw shown live on Kerry GAA.
Jim Gleeson, Chairman of the Fundraising Committee, said over €90,000 had been raised but that a final amount would not be announced until next week. He thanked Paudie Horgan, Richard Leane and Fintan Lawlor - along with all the committee workers for their massive effort. Padraig Tracey of the Killarney Park Hotel – where Ian worked during the summer holidays – also received thanks for his advice and help in setting up the benefit fund.
“All the money raised will now go directly towards Ian’s fund and we wish him a speedy recovery as we continue to keep him in our prayers,” said Jim.
Club Chairman Ger Mangan said it had been a busy few weeks and that everyone is delighted to have done something to help Ian and his family during what is a difficult time. Ian’s parents Mike and Nora also expressed their sincere thanks to everyone for the kindness shown to Ian which they said has given him a huge lift.
The committee was spearheaded by the super-efficient Secretary, Deirdre O’ Sullivan-Darcy who on the night helped Chairman of the Kerry County Committee, Tim Murphy, to pick out numbers for a jackpot of €2,000. But there was no winner on the night. Deirdre said the response to Ian’s fund exceeded all their expectations and to see so many people buying tickets and making donations has given them huge encouragement.
“It’s been brilliant since the launch and we actually had to order more tickets at one point such was the demand,” said Deirdre.
“People have been very good and they just seemed so determined to get behind the event. All clubs across every code of sport have come on board and we thank them for this; including Kerry GAA TV who broadcast the draw live, and The Torc Hotel which was our base for the past few weeks. People said they have even lit candles and offered their prayers for Ian. It’s just been phenomenal,” she added.
Ian is a student of St Brendan’s College and a juvenile footballer with Spa GAA. He also hurls with Dr Crokes and plays with Killarney Celtic.