News
Surge of support for fundraiser for injured teen
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GAA CLUBS and other sporting organisations on both sides of the Kerry/Cork border are joining forces to help a teenager who sustained serious injuries in a bicycle accident and his family.
Ian O’Connell, aged 16, of Pinewood Estate, Killarney, suffered damage to his neck and spine after falling from his bike in the Muckross area of Killarney National Park, on August 16 last. He is currently being treated in Dublin’s Mater Hospital.
The St Brendan’s College student is a juvenile footballer with Spa GAA club, a hurler with Dr Crokes and also plays with Killarney Celtic soccer club.
Spa GAA club has organised a special lotto fundraiser, the Ian O’Connell Benefit Fund, for Ian and his family and offers of support are pouring in. The lotto draw will take place at the Torc Hotel, Killarney, on Sunday, October 15, with a jackpot prize of €2000.
Ian’s father, Mike, is a native of Boherbue, Co Cork, and the Boherbue club is also foregoing its regular weekly lotto and holding a special lotto instead to aid the fund.
The chairman of the Spa fundraising committee, James Gleeson, said they were ‘’absolutely stunned’’ at the level of support being received from several sporting organisations and the general public.
It is understood Ian faces a lengthy period of treatment and rehabilitation to regain mobility.
The lotto tickets are already on sale and any individuals, or clubs, willing to sell tickets are asked to contact the Spa club which will arrange for delivery. Tickets cost €5 each.
Also, a bank account has been set up at AIB, Main St, Killarney, to receive donations: Account Name: Ian O'Connell Fund; Account Number: 64056025; Sort Code: 936332; BIC: AIBKIE2D; IBAN: IE24AIBK93633264056025.
A GoFund Me page has also been set up. All money raised will go directly to Ian and his family.
The Spa club is hoping other sports clubs and members of the community will help sell tickets or contribute towards the fundraising drive.
Above: The Spa committee with Ian's dad Mick O'Connell, Adrian O'Sullivan, Paul Casey, Deirdre O'Sullivan Darcy, Assumpta O'Donoghue,
Tadgh Hickey, Ivor Flynn, Mick O'Connell and Fintan Lawlor.
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