Wicklow GAA clubs show their true class
SILENCE and darkness reigned supreme when Micheal Stapleton and Paul Kenny met under a rising moon at Ballymanus GFC just before midnight last Friday night for the start of the #Run4Pieta fundraiser that would see club members and friends undertake walks, climbs, runs, shuffles, treks and tumbles in aid of a wonderful cause and in the colours of their beloved club over 24 hours.
It’s that silence and darkness that these campaigns and the likes of Pieta House would lend a hand in defeating, making way for the light, that rising sun of hope that lessens the fear, anxiety, hopelessness or worry.
Like all communities, Ballymanus has suffered at the hands of these enemies, the devious fiends who rob us of our family members, friends, sons, daughters, brothers, sisters, who steal the light from the eyes, the essence from the smiles, the hope from the hearts.
If last weekend’s fundraisers by several clubs across Wicklow including Ballymanus and Stratford-Grangecon show us anything it’s that talking about our problems and our feelings is so incredibly important and having someone to talk to about those problems is key.
At the shrine at Ballymanus GFC in Askinagap were two illuminated signs. One read: Light, Hope, Love (in the shape of a heart), the other: It’s ok not to be ok. Now, obviously, when depression takes hold of a person, more often than not, the option of talking, the will to talk, is gone, but by educating and inspiring people and telling them that its ok not to be ok then even if the person suffering can’t speak and perhaps may never speak then maybe it is that friend who recognises that and puts that arm around the shoulder and says those few kind words and makes that inquiry that might help to defeat or delay this brutal foe.
Ballymanus GFC shone like a bright star last weekend. Driven by an immense community spirit, huge generosity and a superb social media campaign, what began as an appeal for €1,500 ended with a tremendous €7,700 and a sense of pride that goes beyond any earthly notion or tangible thing.
From those first steps by Micheal and Paul under the lights that fought hard to keep away the dark to the wonderful images of families standing atop hills as the glorious sun rose, to pictures of young families in farmyards and various Billies in far-flung corners of the world, Ballymanus united and grew stronger, hearts were lifted, spirits soared and the light brought joy and hope that will hopefully stand them in good stead long into the future.
‘Turned out an absolutely unbelievable event,’ was how Ballymanus GFC’s Shane Whelan described it. ‘Weather helped, but kindness and generosity of people shone through also. We raised an amazing €7,700 in total, and more than 180 walkers/runners
The sun rises on the Murphy family of Ballyedmond.
Kieran Whelan and Craig Farrar. travelling more than 1,200km (return trip Mizen - Malin Head) over the 24 hours.
‘Our initial target was €1,500 but even when Micheal and Paul took off on midnight Friday evening, we had c.€3,500 in the kitty. The response on the day itself, May 9, however, was phenomenal. We
Orla, Saoirse, Blaithin, and Briain Tyrrell.
Paddy Byrne begins his route in the Dublin suburbs. raised c.€3k on Saturday alone.
‘Our plans were to close up donations on midday Sunday (May 10), however with donations still coming in we kept her open until Sunday afternoon. By 6pm, we closed shop, and had raised €7,700. The money, while savage and obviously the most important thing for Pieta House, is only one aspect of it. There was a huge sense of community and belonging, with everyone, young and old, getting involved.
‘There wasn’t a sense of competition in terms of who walked/ran the most it was the collective and overarching purpose that meant so much to people. Like so many communities, as you know, we know only too well the hurt and emotional scars communities can experience when tragedy hits. That’s why I think it meant so much to people, but also why everyone is so proud of what we have achieved,’ he added.
In this time of uncertainty and worry and despair for many, this Ballymanus GFC #Run4Pieta fundraiser showed us many things, but one of the main ones is that community is where it’s at, community is where we belong, community will lift us, guide us and, given time, maybe even heal us.