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HEADFORD resident Maureen Kelliher was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in February of last year and since then, her everyday life has changed drastically because of her condition.

Unable to walk without any support Maureen uses a walking aid constantly to help her go about her everyday life. “What most would take for granted like simply being able to sit in a car or do the shopping, is a struggle Maureen strives to overcome,” said her friend Mary McCarrick. “She has always been an active member of the community and though she remains one, her circumstances have become extremely different since her diagnosis."

In recent weeks her pals joined forces to form the organisation Friends of Maureen Kelliher and they are currently organising a few fundraisers. “The funds raised will make life a little easier for Maureen and her four children for the future,” said another friend, Ann Courtney.

All are welcome to support a card drive which takes place at 7pm February 19 in the community hall in Glenflesk. “We would appreciate support on the night and/or a donation of spot prizes would be greatly appreciated,” said Mary.

In addition, on March 4, the group is hosting a coffee morning in the Kerry Way Bar from 10.30am to 1pm. “Again all support and spot prizes would be greatly appreciated,” said Ann.

Having ignored her symptoms for a long time, Maureen says wishes she had contacted her doctor sooner. “Therefore, it is essential that those who think that they might be experiencing symptoms of M.S. to contact their doctor sooner rather than later,” she added.

Maureen described the support she and her family have received from the MS Society of Ireland, the HSE and the local community as “overwhelmingly positive”. “It is with their help that life has become easier for Maureen and her family to cope with the circumstances they have been faced with,” added Ann.
Donations can be given to the following credit unions – Killarney Credit Union, BIC: KIROIE21
IBAN: IE81KIRO99219319086211, A/C number 60169; Rathmore Credit Union, BIC: RDRNIE21, IBAN: IE65RDRN99106300229745, A/C number 14087. "You can also put your donation in an envelope and drop it into Denis O'Brien’s shop in Glenflesk; Spillane’s Bar, Headford; or Tadgh O'Donoghue's Shop, Barraduff," added the Friends of Maureen Kelliher.
 

 
Front, Mary Lyne, John O'Donoghue, Deputy Danny Healy-Rae, Mary McCarrick, Maureen Kelleher; back, Derry Healy, Denis O'Sullivan, Jack O'Donoguhue, Tim Murphy, Claire Brosnan, Kathleen O'Connor, Ann Courtney, Peg and Mary O'Sullivan.
PICTURE: DYLAN CLIFFORD