A border community is set to join the fundraising initiative headed up by former RTE journalist, Charlie Bird, through a ‘Climb Barnesmore Together’ event.
Charlie was recently diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) and, on The Late Late Show, announced he will climb Croagh Patrick on April 2nd with family and close friends in aid of the Irish Motor Neurone Disease and Pieta House.
After watching Charlie Bird’s interview with Ryan Tubridy, two former Curragh Athletic (Killygordon) teammates discussed the idea of holding an event locally to coincide with the Croagh Patrick climb.
Liam McColgan and Frank Kelly want to climb the iconic Barnesmore, between Ballybofey and Donegal town, for their former teammate and friend, Joe Gallen.
The ex-Curragh striker, Joe, is currently battling the crippling MND.
Joe Gallen (front right) in his Curragh Athletic days. Back row L-R: John O Loughlin, Martin Mc Callion, Eunan Hannigan, Gerard Mc Gurk (RIP), Chris Gillespie, Aidan McGhee, Dessie Mc Laughlin, Seamus Mc Kelvey (RIP). Front: Damien Patton, Alan Maxwell, Brian Doherty, Liam Mc Colgan, Frank Kelly, Michael Lafferty, Joe Gallen.
From the townland of Blane, on the Tyrone side of the border, he was once one of the most formidable strikers in Donegal and tormented many a defence in the Fermanagh and Western League while playing for Blane Rovers.
Joe is also a well-known, and highly respected, businessman and his structural engineering company has been involved in major projects all over Donegal and the north west.
Ciaran McGlinchey presents his uncle Joe Gallen with a ball signed by the original Blane Rovers squad at a recent charity.
Liam Mc Colgan stated that “Myself and Frank felt this would be the perfect time to do something for Joe, considering himself and Charlie Bird are in the one boat. We feel the climb will give Joe a great lift, and to raise much needed money for two special charities. This event will not be a competition, it will be a walk and about a community coming together for one of their own and to give hope to others.”
Speaking this week, Frank Kelly said they wanted to give their friend strength as well as raising both money and awareness for two great causes. “I’ll never forget playing alongside Joe, he was a powerhouse up front and a gentleman off the pitch,” he said.
The organisers will announce more details over the coming weeks.
Tags: