The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
Waterville takes to the mic in aid of Mike
AN ATTENDANCE of around 450 people, a star-studded judging panel, a diverse range of entertaining acts, support of a worthy cause, and a few heartfelt moments all combined to make Waterville GAA’s ‘Lip Sync Superstars Battle’ an occasion of the highest calibre last Saturday night.
The Sea Lodge Hotel played host to a top-class fundraiser at the weekend, with all proceeds going to help a proud clubman, Mike Curran, and his rehabilitation fund. Mike suffered horrendous injuries injuries – including five brain haemorrhages – after colliding with a car between Reims and Paris last October during the closing stages of a round-the-world cycle with his girlfriend, Sara O’Shea.
Mike recently returned home to Waterville for a short time over the Christmas period, but he is currently continuing treatment in The Wellington Hospital in the UK.
His treatment, which was identified as the best option to meet his significant medical needs, costs approximately €12,500 a month, but his popularity has been borne out in people’s willingness to donate to his rehabilitation fund.
Since the accident, almost €135,000 has been donated to a GoFundMe page set up to fund his treatment, with thousands more raised offline. His treatment, the club said, is progressing well.
And Waterville GAA PRO Eoin Moriarty said his club played its part in supporting Mike by raising more than €5,000, with the response from Waterville, south Kerry, and beyond described as superb.
“We had about a dozen acts taking part, and along with our special guest, Mick O’Dwyer, we had a judging panel of Maurice Fitzgerald, Colm Cooper, and local councillor Norma Moriarty.
“The judges went for Noel O’Sullivan and his take-off of Freddie Mercury and Queen, and he was joined by his son, Matthew, and nephew, Peter, for this performance.
“The public vote, however, went to Jackie O’Shea and Co, who brought ‘Grease’ to life on the night.
“Mike’s own brother, Paddy, a former Kerry minor star, was also part of this act.”
Indeed, there was further family involvement and no little emotion as Mike’s sister, Lucie, read out a letter to the audience on Mike’s behalf, Eoin explained.
“Apparently, he is responding well to treatment, and Lucies letter was a lovely touch” Eoin said.
“Overall, it was a fantastic event in aid of a very worthy cause.”
If you would like to donate to Mike Curran’s rehabilitation fund, you can do so by visiting a dedicated GoFundMe page at www.gofundme. com/tddwfd-bring-mike-home.