Laois pitstop for friends taking on ambitious challenge to cover 32 counties in 32 hours 

A group of five friends taking on an ambitious challenge of covering all 32 counties in Ireland over 32 hours of daylight will make a stop at Killeshin GAA club while travelling through Laois. 

The fundraiser is in aid of Nicola Murphy who has recently received a diagnosis of Motor Neurone Disease.  

Nicola's son Conor Murphy along with his friends Brian Kelly, Eoghan Diffley, Emmet Burke, and Ciaran McManus, all in their early twenties, have set a goal to kick points in all 32 counties of Ireland, visiting a different club pitch in each county.

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 breathe.

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.

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 from Friday 10th of May to Sunday 12th of May 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.

“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," said Eoghan. 

“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, I 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. Be sure to visit them for all your sporting gear needs. Their friendly team is always ready to assist you in any way possible.”

Conor Murphy said:  “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.”