THE TIPPERARY SENIOR hurlers are set to organise a fundraising event in the wake of former teammate Eddie Connolly’s recent illness which saw him needing brain surgery to remove a tumour.
Connolly, who captained Tipperary to win last year’s All-Ireland intermediate hurling title, has been a key member of the Loughmore-Castleiney hurling and football sides in recent years.
He took ill in the wake of their Tipperary SHC semi-final win over Borrisoleigh and was operated on after a growth was detected on his brain.
As a result the Tipperary senior hurling squad are organising a 6k fun run/walk on Saturday December 21st in Thurles. The run will commence from Dr. Morris Park beside Semple Stadium at 1pm and travel a 6k circuit returning to finish at Dr. Morris Park.
Tipperary senior hurling captain Brendan Maher urged people to support the event.
“We were very sorry to hear of Eddie’s illness and we felt it would be a boost to him if we could do something to show our solidarity with him.
“The players came up with the idea of the run and we will be working very hard over the next few weeks to promote it raise as much money as possible for our two chosen cancer charities.
“We hope as many people as possible will come running with us and we would in particular like to see lots of children participating.”
Eddie Connolly in action for Tipperary against Cork in the league in 2011.
Pic: INPHO/Neil Danton
All proceeds will be donated to 2 cancer related charities – Friends of St. Luke’s (www.friendsofstlukes.ie) at St. Luke’s Hospital Rathgar Dublin where Eddie is being treated and SuirHaven in Thurles which is a cancer support centre run by the North Tipperary Hospice.
Entry to the run costs €10 per adult, €5 per child or €20 for a family. Completion of a sponsorship card will also suffice for entry.
Sponsorship cards are available from any member of the Tipperary senior hurling panel or from the GAA office in Lar na Pairce, Thurles (0504 22702).
In addition Lar Corbett and Puccini’s Italian, Friar St. Thurles are supporting the run. They have extended an invitation to join them after the event to enjoy complimentary pizza.
