TYRONE TIMES
Coalisland man to run Gold Coast marathon in memory of hurler June 2012
A former Coalisland man, who will be running the Gold Coast marathon in memory of a young friend who passed away from Sudden Adult Death Syndrome has appealed to people here to support his charity Cry Ireland.
Damien McVeigh who will have been in Australia for five years in October, originally went out with a group of friends from Tyrone for a year’s travelling. Among this group was Brian Taggart, Damien’s best friend and a young man who died suddenly in May 2010.
“This is a cause that is close to my heart – it means a lot,” said Damien. “Brian was only 24, a keen hurler and very well known around the community in Coalisland so there were a lot of people affected and shocked by his sudden death.
“Brian and I both played hurling for Naomh Colum Cille and that was one of the main reasons I have chosen to fundraise for CRY. I am doing this in honour of Brian and, having been involved n GAA in Australia and Ireland, I understand the importance of the work done by CRY Ireland.
“With so many Irish people now in Australia there are hurling, football and camogie clubs in almost every city. Creating awareness of sudden adult death and cardiac issues in young people has never been more important.”
This is not the first time that Damien has been involved in raising money for worthwhile causes. Last year his partner from Westmeath and he took part in the “Ride to Conquer Cancer” – one of the biggest fundraisers ever to be held in Australia.
“This was a 200+ km cycle in aid of the Queensland Medical institute of Research and we raise
d over €6,000 for cancer research. It was the first event of its kind in Australia and in total it raised over €4.2 million.
“That was an amazing experience for us and so this year I wanted to challenge myself again and help raise some money for CRY Ireland.
“My partner had a close friend who passed away suddenly in 2004. He was aged 22 and had just completed his degree. This was about the same time that there was a lot of publicity in Ireland about young people suddenly dying.
“Cormac McAnallen had passed away suddenly that year and also Gary Duffin from Coalisland. I had heard of CRY through my partner and I knew this was a worthy cause which I wanted to support, it means a lot to both of us.
“I am currently training for the Gold Coast marathon (43km) which takes place on July 1. This is my first marathon and I was thinking taking part would be a great challenge; another way to test and push myself.
“If anyone wants to donate to myself for the marathon they can do it on CRY’s website. Just click on “donate now” and then “donate online” on the left-hand side of CRY’s home page (www.cry.ie) and choose “damien mcveigh” under donation type. If anyone wants more details on CRY or are keen to fundraise on their behalf or just want some information around Sudden Adult Death Syndrome they can email [email protected].