Cork tractor run raises funds for Andrew’s post-injury needs

More than 250 trucks and tractors took to West Cork roads last Sunday to raise money for a man who suffered catastrophic spinal injuries after falling from a roof on a local farm.

Andrew Brennan, 39, a carpenter who also worked at the renowned Gubbeen Farm and cheesemakers, was fitting solar panels to the roof of a building outside Schull when he fell.

He survived, but suffered life-changing injuries. He was airlifted to hospital in Dublin.

He has been left largely paralysed, will need a wheelchair, and is unlikely to ever walk again.

Mr Brennan, described by friends as “very sporty” and athletic, had played rugby with Skibbereen RFC. The club organised the fundraising tractor run to help him cover spiralling medical and accommodation costs.

He will require a wheelchair, he will have to adapt his home in West Cork for its use, and he has to cover rent in Dublin, while he is rehabilitating, as his specialist care is based there.

More than €34,000 of the €35,000 goal was raised on GoFundMe by Tuesday.

“[Andrew] is currently undergoing rehabilitation at the National Rehabilitation Hospital in Dún Laoghaire and will need significant ongoing care as he prepares to take on this difficult challenge,” a representative of Skibbereen RFC wrote on the GoFundMe page.

“We would like to support Andrew and his family at this challenging time.

“We would be extremely grateful for any donations, large or small, which will go directly to help with the ongoing medical care, accessibility needs, and financial support that Andrew needs, both now and in the years ahead.”

Mr Brennan, who is originally from Dublin, had moved to West Cork 15 years ago.

Fingal Ferguson, renowned cheesemaker, charcuterie producer, and artisan knife maker at Gubbeen Farm, posted about Andrew and the fundraiser on Instagram.

“Last May, my sister Rosie’s partner, Andrew, had an accident that left him with a life-changing spinal injury,” Mr Ferguson wrote.

“He was airlifted to the Mater Hospital, where they spent three months, and then transferred to the National Rehabilitation Centre in Dublin.

“Andrew and Rosie are now taking the next steps of this challenge,” Mr Ferguson wrote.

“@skibbereenrfc are organising a tractor run on Sunday, January 11 to help raise funds for the significant medical and accessibility needs that Andrew will have in the months and years ahead.

“Please help spread the word, we are so grateful for @skibbereenrfc’s support, and to everyone far and wide who has supported us over the past six months.”