20th March 2024: Limerick man Michael O’Neill is aiming to raise €11,500 for the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association with his upcoming charity cycle in Co Clare on Saturday 20th April.
Michael, who now lives in Co Clare, announced the specific figure has been chosen as the target as it is planned to go towards the purchase of eye gaze equipment to help a person living with MND communicate more effectively.
The cycle is being organised by O’Neill Industrial, with offices in Cork and Limerick, in memory of Michael’s close friend John Mulcahy of Mallow, Co Cork, who lost his battle with MND on 4th February this year.
“John was my dear friend for over 30 years and was diagnosed with MND in October 2020. He was a pharmacist, so he knew what the road ahead entailed but he fought a brave battle til the very end,” Michael explains.
One of the most difficult aspects of the journey for John was losing his voice.
“With already limited movement, communication was difficult, but one piece of amazing technology was a gamechanger for him. It’s called an ‘Eye Gaze’ device and it helped John communicate with carers, friends and family by using his eyes to spell out words on a tablet via a connected camera.”
Eye Gaze technology also helps users gain some independence back by allowing them to surf the web, send emails and even control the TV by using their eyes.
This charity cycle is aiming to raise €11,500 for the IMNDA to go towards the purchase of eye gaze equipment for another person living with MND, and Michael is encouraging residents of Clare and surrounding counties to get involved:
“With your help, we can give an MND patient the same comfort as John at a time of need that will make living with this disease a little more bearable for the patient and those caring for them. We look forward to your much needed support.”
The cycle features a marshalled 80KM cycle route*. You can find out more and register to take part at the following link. Entry costs €45 and will include a high-quality cycling jersey (limited to first 60 registrations); food and drinks at the halfway point and a BBQ at the finish; as well as raising much needed funds for the IMNDA.
About the route*:
Starting from the McMahons Bar in Ardnacrusha (V94 V326), the route will cover 80k in total, outbound to Mountshannon, Co Clare via Broadford with the return leg via Killaloe under the supervision of ‘Bike Marshalls.ie’. Sandwiches and refreshments served in Mountshannon before the group sets off back to Ardnacrusha (via Killaloe) where the event will culminate with a BBQ at McMahons. While enjoying the beautiful scenery along this wonderful route, you will be helping more than 450 families across Ireland living with MND (see imnda.ie)
Places are limited, so places will be offered on a first come, first serve basis.
