'Paddle Challenge' fundraiser for autism centre in Laois school

The Woodenbridge Paddlers will hold a 'Paddle Challenge' To raise funds for the new centre for autism in St Fergal's College Rathdowney.

25 years ago, the Woodenbridge Paddlers were formed, after a journey from the Woodenbridge to John's Bridge in Kilkenny.

Now, the group will attempt to retrace that same journey as a fundraising venture to support the establishing of the new centre for autism in St. Fergal's College Rathdowney.

Group member Michael G. Phelan spoke to us as the preparations and planning of the 'Paddle Challenge' get underway.

"We're currently checking how passible the route is. It'll be nice to have done it once more, 25 years later," said Mr Phelan.

"Normally we do something for a local charity, we've raised money for the Cuisle centre in the past," he said.

"We heard that St Fergal's College are working towards a new autism unit and it's an important cause to us."

Currently, St Fergal's College have six places in the school, and are developing six more. 

"The feedback so far has been great, there's been a fantastic reaction from the public," said Mr Phelan.

"We've had people ringing us up to know where they can get sponsorship cards."

The event kicks off on Sunday August 11, and is open to everyone to take part or support.

For more information, contact Michael through the Woodenbridge Paddlers Facebook page.

In early June, Laois/Offaly TD Brian Stanley announced that a number of Laois schools would be receiving extra classes for children with autism in the next year. St Fergal's College Rathdowney was one of the schools included.