'This fundraiser proved the GAA club spirit is alive and well in West Cork'

DIARMUID Ó MATHÚNA’S held a very successful fundraiser for three organisations recently.

Players, officials, supporters and the local community participated in the novel Blues on the Move event.

Club PRO Pat Murphy was delighted with the successful fundraiser. “It was a great success. We set ourselves the challenge of completing as many marathons as possible over seven days. “We gave people the option of running, jogging or walking, depending on age and fitness level.”

The Diarmuid Ó Mathúna GAA Club are based in Castletownkenneigh. The Carbery divisional club represents an integral part of the community.

They are the very essence of the social fabric of the local community. Pat was thrilled the event involved all sections of their community.

“It has been a brilliant fundraiser in that respect, in that everyone can make a contribution and feel fully part of it. We have always had a great community spirit in our area. This fundraiser has proved that it is alive and well, with the GAA club to the forefront.”

The recent fundraiser raised a considerable amount of money for CoAction West Cork, Enable Ireland and Jigsaw. Pat was delighted the club were able to help three very worthy organisations.

“We are delighted to assist three wonderful charities, CoAction, Enable Ireland and Jigsaw. In these unusual times with the cancellation of so many annual fundraising activities, we are hoping that our contribution will help to make up any shortfall they are suffering. We chose CoAction and Enable Ireland as a number of our members avail of their services.

“Our area has had a long fundraising history with Enable Ireland through the Castletown fundraising committee. We chose Jigsaw because as a club we attach major importance to the care and development of our young people. We feel that people have identified with the three charities and taken them to heart.”

The Ó Mathúna players and members completed 63 marathons which helped raise over €4,000.

“The fundraiser was the brainchild of club member Seán Fleming. The idea of maintaining fitness among players was probably the main objective when setting the challenge of completing marathons.

“The players are doing their best to keep ticking over in the hopes of play returning at some stage. The club pitch and surroundings have been kept in tip top condition. The players will be raring to go whenever the green light comes.”