Friends aiming to kick points at GAA grounds across Ireland in support of Roscommon woman diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease

Roscommon men Eoghan Diffley, Emmet Burke, Ciaran McManus, and Conor Murphy along with Longford man Brian Kelly are embarking on an ambitious challenge.

Their goal is to kick points in all 32 counties of Ireland, visiting a different club pitch in each county.

Eoghan, Emmet, Ciaran, and Conor are members of the St Barry’s GAA club in Ballytoohey, County Roscommon.

They will be accompanied by Brian Kelly from the Cashel club in County Longford.

The men have have decided to take on a challenge to support Conor's mother, Nicola.

Nicola has recently received a diagnosis of Motor Neurone Disease, and the five young men are determined to raise funds for her cause.

While MND can present in various ways, Nicola is currently experiencing weakness in both her arms and legs to the extent that she has no function in some of her limbs and evolving weakness in the remaining areas.

Speaking of his mother’s diagnosis, Conor said his mother has remained positive and is an inspiration to her family.

"From my own perspective Motor Neurone is a horrible disease but it’s only a disease you realise

the implications of when it’s on your own doorstep.

"Mam is the positive one in our house and that’s what keeps us all going from day to day, her unyielding love and support for her family amazes me every day and now I want to do something for her.

“The lads and I want to do our bit to give back to Mam and I can’t thank them enough for their support during this time,” said Conor.

Motor Neurone Disease is a progressive neurological condition that attacks the nerves in the brain and spinal cord which means messages gradually stop reaching the muscles which leads to weakness and wasting.

MND can affect how you walk, talk, eat and breath.

Motor Neurone Disease is a progressive disease for which there is no remission.

The team of five got together in the middle of January to organise the fundraiser as their way of helping out and to raise awareness of Motor Neurone Disease.

The fundraiser will take place on the weekend from Friday, May 10 to Sunday, May 12 over 32 hours of daylight.

A Go Fund Me page has been set up and a percentage of all funds raised will go to a charity of Nicola’s choice. So far, the group has raised an incredible €4,000.

The group said, “We have successfully gathered one club from each of the counties including our own clubs St Barry’s GAA and Cashel GAA.

"The overwhelming support we have received from clubs nationwide, as well as from local businesses and individuals, has been truly remarkable over the past few months.

“Special thanks to fellow club people Noel Rogers, Club Chairperson Chris Burke together with County Chairperson of Roscommon GAA Brian Carroll who have supported us during the organisation of the fundraiser.”

“Finally, we would like to thank Stephen Coy and our main sponsors for the fundraiser, CICO. Their generous sponsorship has provided us with sporting gear for the event.”

To donate to the fundraiser, visit: gofund.me/226b8555