Shamrock Gaels thank public for generous support
THE response to a fundraiser the Shamrock Gaels GAA club set up to honour their late clubman, friend and former player John Lyons has been overwhelming with over €25,000 raised.
Throughout the month of May, senior club players, members and friends ran 5km every day to raise vital funds for the Northwest Hospice.
The support was immense with 146 participants taking part with support coming from sporting personalities across the country and abroad.
The clubs says the support for the challenge surpassed all expectations and the final fundraising figure is set to break €25,000. 146 participants took part & this was made up of the club’s senior men’s and ladies teams, alongside club members, members of the wider community and staff of the PSO in Sligo where John previously worked running/walking 5km every day in the month of May.
The challenge has been shared far and wide, and resulted in many wellknown people within sporting circles row in to support this initiative, sending messages of support posted to the club’s Facebook page.
On Sunday last at 12 noon, a virtual shot gun start for all participants & other members of the community from Castlebaldwin to Coola took part in the final walk/run for 5km while adhering to the current Covid-19 regulations. The route was broken into 7 different zones to allow for social distancing and started at the Lyons family home in Castlebaldwin following the route (avoiding the main N4 for safety reasons) to the club grounds in Coola. A journey John himself would have travelled countless times over the years.
“We would just like to thank everyone who donated via the Facebook page & all the participants who took part throughout the month. It was a great journey and all for a wonderful cause in memory of a club legend!,” the club added.
The Northwest Hospice said they were extremely grateful to Shamrock Gaels and everyone who donated, raising much needed funds for the charity.
Bernadette McGarvey, Head of Communications & Fundraising with the Northwest Hospice said: “We are hugely grateful to Shamrock Gaels and the people of Riverstown and surrounds for their amazing support of North West Hospice.
“This was an incredible fundraiser in memory of John Lyons which showed tremendous community spirit and displayed the power of a community coming together in very challenging times.
“Our fundraising has been severely affected by Covid-19 so this is a great boost to us.
“Thanks to everyone who donated, organised and took part. All of the funds raised will be used to help us maintain our essential palliative care services and ensure they are there for all who need them in our local community,” she added.