Coolaney-Mullinabreena players put in a big effort
ENTHUSIASTIC players from Coolaney-Mullinabreena GAA
Club climbed Mount Everest – the world’s highest peak above sea level – on Saturday last.
Using the scenic elevation of Lavagh’s Knocknashee Hill, a notable geographical aspect of the club’s catchment area, the group of 36 players exceed their target.
The goal was to climb the hill 72 times (only the ascent of the hill counted) but those involved completed 106 laps through the 12-hour window (8am to 8pm).
This fundraiser generated over €5,000 for the Organ Donor Awareness campaign, with funds going to Organ Donation Transplant Ireland and the Irish Kidney Association. The participants were divided into small groups, with several of the groups consisting of family members. Each group was asked to climb to the summit and back, twice. At all times social distancing was observed and Covid-19 guidelines were adhered to.
The event was overseen by two well-known Coolaney-Mullinabreena GAA Club players, Shane O’Brien and Enda Kivlehan. A GoFundMePage was set up for club members and friends to make donations.
Kivlehan, who is the club’s Senior team captain, and Junior team captain Alan Duggan posted the fastest ascents of Knocknashee. Coolaney-Mullinabreena GAA Club are already involved in organ donor awareness. There is signage at the club’s facilities, Nace O’Dowd Park, and the back of the club jersey carries the campaign’s slogan ‘Are you an Organ Donor?’ A post on the club’s Facebook page said: “A big thank you to Enda Kivlehan and Shane O’Brien, who organised all seamlessly.” “We thank all the people in the background whose contributions helped make the day a great success.”