Host of events to take place in aid of IMND Association

by Seamus Hayes news@clareecho.ie

OVER the next few weeks a number of fundraising events will take place at various venues in Clare in aid of the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association.

These include a team of four golf event (men and ladies competitions), a flag day while a number of people have committed to having their beards shaved off and this will take place on this Saturday, June 17, at Kelly’s bar in Carmody Street.

Ennis native John Kevin Considine has secured the help of a large number of volunteers to promote these events. The Ennis ladies golf section donated the income from this week’s Wednesday competition to the cause while the men’s event will take place on Monday next. Two hundred and forty played in the event last year and it is full again this year with many of John Kevin’s friends from his years in London travelling to Ennis for the event.

The flag day will take place at venues across the county on Saturday June 24. “We are always looking for volunteers”, said John adding that “we will be delighted to hear from anyone who can give a few hours”.

John who returned a few years ago to his native Ennis from London where he lived for almost 40 years is an active member of the Ennis golf club’s men’s senior group. He noted “Ennis seniors have lost two members to motor neurone in recent times“.

Last year, fundraising events organised by John raised over €17,600 for the Motor Neurone association. Writing in the association’s quarterly magazine, CONNECT, chief executive Roisin Duffy explained four key strategic priorities that have been identified. They are to provide practical client an caregiver centred support at both national and local levels, to strengthen communications with all key stakeholder groups, especially families directly affected, to support, fund and communicate research into causes, management and treatment of MND amongst all key stakeholders and to invest in long term sustainable income streams in order to continue to operate a stable, transparent and accountable organisation.

World Motor Neurone Awareness Day is on June 21.