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24th June 2014 • Volume 21, Issue 22 • Leader House, North Street, Swords, Co. Dublin. • Tel: 8•400•200 • info@northcountyleader.ie
Balbriggan’s Kung-Fu Pensioner By Patrick Finnegan living on the Aran Islands, and she said to me; “Da, you’re not a young fellow anymore, but despite that, I actually love it. My worst time is at the weekends, when there’s no training. I look forward to Monday, Wednesday and Friday so much, I’m just sorry I didn’t take it up years ago,” said the infectious Sean. “My decision to take up this wonderful sport has had a huge impact on my life, and has changed my outlook completely. I’ve played football all my life, since I could walk, but I’m sorry I didn’t take this up instead,” declared Sean. “The head man, Keith is very knowledgeable, and he can work on muscles and when I got the cancer seven years ago, I gave up cigarettes. I thought they were the cause of my cancer, but they were not. My health has improved out of all proportions since I came here. They’re like a family to me, and we all encourage each other,” he said.
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My health has improved out of all proportions since I came here. They’re like a family to me, and we all encourage each other
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The decision of a 72 year old Balbriggan man to take up Kung-Fu karate, is one that is having a profound impact on his life. His story is certain to be an inspiration to people of his age, who feel they have no direction in their lives. Sean Dunne, from Pinewood in Balbriggan has had lifelong health issues and he has been on inhalers for chronic asthma. He is also suffering from a rare form of cancer, but he maintains that his decision to take up this sport, has had a very beneficial effect on his health. Sean started his Kung Fu journey in August 2013, very much by accident. He explained to the County Leader about how this came to pass. “I got into the bad habit of watching daytime soaps on the telly and one day I was passing by Blue Dragon school of Iron Fist Kung Fu on Convent Lane in Balbriggan, and as I was being nosy, I decided to have a look. I met Sifu (teacher) Keith Fanning and I spoke to him about my health issues. I played sport all my life, but there were no inhalers when I was a lad,” said Sean. He continued, “I was always fascinated by martial arts and Keith was wonderful. He told me to give it a go and see. The only thing that would have held me back was the asthma. Before I started here nine months ago, I was on a nebuliser twice a day, and using up a ventolin inhaler once a week. Since I started training, I haven’t touched a nebuliser in the past eight months, and I use one inhaler every six weeks, instead of one a week. It’s worked wonders for me,” said a delighted Sean. Sean’s doctor was also very supportive of his decision to take up Kung-Fu at his age, and he was encouraged to ‘go for it’. “I have a daughter
His prowess as a Kung Fu artist is quite impressive. So far, he has achieved his yellow sash and recently achieved his green sash after being tested by Sifu Keith, including breaking concrete tiles with a turning back kick and with a side kick, along with breaking a three inch concrete block with a slap. Sean now says his Kung Fu family are very supportive of his journey and helpful in anything he may be stuck on, from senior to lower grades, as they naturally will help anyone who comes through the door. He is determined to get his Black Belt by the time he reaches 75. With such a determined and positive attitude, there seems no stopping this inspirational man, who has suddenly found a new zest for life.
Pictured enjoying the wonderful summer weather on South Strand, Skerries on Wednesday last are Dáire McCaughey, Conn Gorman, Donal Gorman, Ethan McCaughey and Tadhg McCaughey, all from Skerries
Another Special Event To Help Molly Following up on our story in last week’s edition of the County Leader on brave little Molly McNally from Balbriggan, many were touched as they learnt of her courageous journey they contacted us to see how they might help. With this in mind, we have been informed of another upcoming special fundraiser, in which all proceeds are going to help aid Molly’s cause. Molly (5) was diagnosed with Stage 4 Neuroblastoma, a childhood cancer last October. At the moment, the family need to raise €200,000 in order to get the little one to
By Jennifer McShane the United States for further, potentially life saving treatments, so every event is crucial, and every amount donated (no matter how big or small) will be hugely appreciated. Next up on the fundraising list, is a golfing event. A Golf Classic has been arranged in Malahide Golf Club on Thursday, June 26th between 10am and 4pm and according to Events co-ordinator of the Molly McNally Trust, Michelle, it is going to be a huge event. “So far, we have at least 30 teams arranged for the day,” she told the County Leader.
“We’re expecting a huge turnout of around 120 people and have so many sponsors organised, which is just fantastic, and of course, every cent raised is going to help Molly. We’ve been so touched by the wonderful response that we’ve received from so many around the
locality, and we are in the process of arranging many more fundraising events, which people can donate to if they wish.” Keep an eye on the coming editions of the County Leader for more details of future fundraising events as we get them. All support is so appreciated.
Grow Your Business See page 20