Kilkenny GAA club raise over €30K for good cause

A Kilkenny GAA club scaled the heights to raise over €30,000 for charity.

Members of the Erin’s Own club in Castlecomer recently completed their annual climb of Croagh Patrick, raised money for Vision Sports Ireland.

The cause was nominated by an Erin’s Own player who suffered a serious eye injury and availed of their services. Vision Sports Ireland aim is to ensure that all blind and visually impaired people in Ireland have access to and can enjoy the health benefits derived from regular participation in sport and physical activities of their choice.

Over the last 13 years, the club has raised over €330,000 for various causes.

Some 150 people who took part in this year’s climb of Croagh Patrick were thanked by one of the fundraiser’s key organisers for their efforts.

“It’s as much of a social thing apart from the money,” said Michael Owens. “It’s good for people’s health and their headspace, to go off and do this while also raising money for a good cause.

“I’d like to thank The Helm in Westport for putting us up and looking after us, my fellow organisers Marty Connolly, Fergal O'Neill, Donal Dunne, Mary Merritt, and all of those who took part,” he continued.

Vision Sports Ireland will hold their annual come-and-try event in Dublin on Saturday May 24 and Sunday May 25. People who are blind or visually impaired can try up to 16 different sports. Tickets are €5. More information can be found at www.visionsports.ie.