Over €50k raised by Kinnitty GAA for 'Doing it for Dennedy'

Kinnitty GAA Club has raised over €50,000 from their first lotto draw of the year in aid of Michael Dennedy (14) who lost his leg last year following a farm accident.

The GAA club held a presentation night on Monday last and the chairman of the fundraising committee Cllr John Leahy was presented with a cheque for €51,000.

Kinnitty GAA Club Chairman Willie Boland said he, on behalf of the GAA club, was “delighted” to be able to help out. Cllr Leahy thanked the GAA club along with the ticket sellers for the great work they did in collecting so much in a short space of time.

A support group, 'Doing it for Dennedy' was set up in 2023 to help Michael and to organise fundraisers to enable him to access the health care, rehabilitation and future prosthetic technology he needs to regain his mobility and confidence.

A member of the support group said the family is “absolutely thrilled and delighted” with the huge support that they have received so far from the local community.

Michael has faced an unimaginable challenge following the accident involving a tractor. He is an active teenager who loves his sports and simply being outdoors and is determined to regain his independence and live life to the full. Last month, he commenced his inpatient rehabilitation journey at the National Rehabilitation Hospital in Dun Laoghaire, Dublin.

The support group 'We're Doing it for Dennedy' said: "He will need approximately three months of rehabilitation that will help him walk again and achieve his other goals. His top priority is to hurl again for Kinnitty GAA Club."

Michael's family are hoping to raise funds to go directly towards his medical bills, prosthetic equipment and ongoing therapy. The cost associated with his recovery is significant and any contribution big or small can make a difference.

More fundraising events are on the cards with a golf classic scheduled for Friday, May 10 at Birr Golf club and a tractor run planned later in the year.

For more information see the 'We're Doing it for Dennedy' Facebook page.

To donate to the fundraiser search for 'We're Doing it for Dennedy' on fundrazr.com.