OFF THE WALL 24-hour wallathon in Knocknagree
GAA 24 HOUR WALLATHON NETS €16K
Tim Brosnan, supported by Noreen, Seamus and Noreen Brosnan, at the Knocknagree GAA 24-hour Ball Wallathon.
THE playing fields are empty in the current lockdown restrictions yet Knocknagree football fanatics answered the call in support of a nationwide fundraising venture for Laois toddler Dan Donoher, diagnosed with a rare genetic neuromuscular disease called Spinal Muscular Atrophy.
Little Dan’s parents Niall and Aisling are former Laois GAA stars. Their world came tumbling down a few months ago, Dan losing the ability to lift his legs, maintain head control and lay on his belly.
Realising that they are against the clock, a group of close family and friends, along with Niall and Aisling, began working tirelessly to establish the ‘Do it for Dan Foundation’ which aims to raise 2.1 million dollars to help him undergo a procedure in the USA.
Business, organisations and clubs throughout the country rallied to the cause and Knocknagree GAA answered the call in a 24 hour Ball Wallathon with over €16,000 raised.
Club Chairman Jeremiah Moynihan spoke of a tough time for everyone and sporting clubs and organisations around the country are no different.
“Knocknagree players have being trying our best to keep their own personal training going in the hope that when things are back to some form of normality, they’ll be ready to go, greatly encouraged by the Do it for Dan Foundation,” he said.
“The family have given great service to the GAA and they need our support more than ever. Niall and Aisling and their son Dan are in a battle that no family should ever have to be in. Dan is suffering from a rare muscular disease, recently just turned one year and his life expectancy is short, the medical intervention needed is a cell infusion that’s only available in the States,” said Jeremiah.
Mindful and respectful of the restrictions currently in place against Covid 19, Knocknagree GAA hosted a 24 -hour Ball Wallathon Challenge. The format consisted of 24 players taking an hour each to kick a ball off a wall of their homes, garage or sheds.
There was no shortage of volunteers putting their hands up to support the venture, including former Knocknagree player Chris O’Leary, kicking a ball in Sydney and filling a slot that delighted friends. Also lending their backing was guest celebrity and Cork dual sports star Briege Corkery.
Meanwhile, player Chris White went a step further, a head shave added to the success of the fund raising initiative.
“Each player posted a short video on facebook explaining what the challenge was for, with fundraising initiatives hampered by the Covid-19 pandemic, we were delighted to support the cause. The amount raised €16,043 and far surpassed our expectations – once again, it just shows the marvellous GAA and more importantly the community spirit that we have in Knocknagree,” said club Chairman Jeremiah.
A series of fund raising initiatives operated over recent weeks, Kerry great Kieran Donaghy supporting and colleague Colm Cooper auctioned off his 2006 All-Ireland SFC final boots for the cause. Meanwhile, Cork footballers added their support thanks to the efforts of Thomas Clancy, Sean White, Ruairi Deane, Liam O’Donovan and John O’Rourke.