Mick Cronin

Duhallow News

Fundraiser Days For Mick Cronin Of Kiskeam

“There’s a Mick Cronin in every club - a genuine fella who’ll fix a wall or come with his drill when needs be, or he’ll line a pitch, wash the jerseys, train the underage lads - every club has them, but he’s our Mick Cronin so we’re going to do all we can to support him.” Powerful words from Ryan McCarthy. Their Mick Cronin is a construction worker originally from Kiskeam, he’s lived in Chicago and now lives in Wilton with his wife Karen and kids Aibhe and Sean. He’s kind to everyone, admired by old and young, and a fantastic friend, father and husband. And he needs help. On the 18th of November, the day before his 52nd birthday, Mick fell at work. This fall resulted in a severe spinal injury with two broken vertebrae at the back of his neck. The resulting injuries have been life changing with the most pressing being a loss of all movement from the shoulders down. Following the accident, Mick lost the ability to move his diaphragm and couldn’t breathe on his own, leading to ten weeks on a ventilator. Now, he has been moved fully off of the ventilator - an incredible feat! But following so much time on a ventilator, he had to learn to talk and eat again. He is still receiving physio so he’s medically and physically strong enough to be transferred to the National Rehabilitation Centre in Dun Laoighaoire, and has made incredible strides, including some partial movement in his hands. He’s kept going through it all, and despite everything, he’s still the same person. He’s always been a sports fan, and he remains a huge Cork GAA and Liverpool supporter. Since his accident, sports has been his connection to the outside world, and the joy of being able to watch sports on an iPad cannot be understated. The Cork GAA scene is a second family for Mick. He’s been heavily involved in Bishopstown GAA as a volunteer, mentor, and coach, and this family made of friends both in and ourside of the GAA all over the country and the world, as well as many sports enthusiasts, want to support Mick. Messages of support have come in from all over. Ryan McCarthy, a good friend of Mick’s spoke about the encouraging words that have come through for him. “The Bomber Liston, Jackie Tyrell, The Rock, Declan Hannon, Paul McGrath, Ronnie Whelan, Dr Con Murphy, Ronan O Gara, Johnny Sexton, Paul Galvin, Robbie Fowler, John Aldridge, Caoimhin Kelleher were some of the kind and generous people that got back to me- I’ve about 40 messages for Mick at this stage. Karen says every time she goes in and she plays a new message someone records for him the old spark comes into his eye and the appetite for the fight ahead is ignited in him.” Brian and Pat Cuthbert and Alan Sullivan of Bishopstown GAA have pulled together an incredible idea. Matches for Mick is a two day community based event taking place over the 17th and 18th of Match from 10am to 8.30pm.

Mick has been involved with coaching for years, and coached the team with PAt Cuthberty and Paul McGrath

Duhallow News

Fundraiser Days For Mick Cronin Of Kiskeam

Mick with pals Pat Cuthbert and Cillian O’Donoghue on a fine summer day Donal (Mick’s brother), Mick, Conor (Mick’s brother) and Frank O’ Connor.

Teams from U7 to senior will invite teams from a range of clubs to play matches for Mick, culminating in two senior games on the 18th. Tickets are available in Bishopstowngaa.com. Each purchase goes into the fund for Mick and his family to help with his immediate and long term care. Other events will be held to support Mick too including an event in the club house on the Friday to tie in with Cheltenham, and a golf classic in Kanturk GC on May 7th. Before the days are even here, there are so many people to thank for their help and support in Mick’s journey: • Nico – nurse in ICU, at a time when Mick was finding it tough, he took care of him, talked to him, spoke Spanish football to him, drew Mick out • Carol – Clinical Nurse Manager from Mick’s home place in Kiskeam, has been a really supportive presence • Francis – a nurse in the GA ward, again has been amazing to the family • Karen’s colleagues – Ailbhe and Sean’s friends and teammates And finally to all those who have sent messages of support. Karen reads every one of them to Mick and once he can, he’ll respond to everyone.

Mick is a unique soul, but we all have a Mick in our lives. At a time like this, he needs support in any way; buy a ticket or send a message his way. Cheer for him and remind him he’s got supporters everywhere.

Mick hopes to get home to his family in Wilton soon