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05 Sept 2025

PICTURES: Laois athlete raises over €4,000 for charity in 60km run

Reporter:

Ellie McCarthy

04 Nov 2024 7:23 PM

Aengus Burke, a well-known figure in Portlaoise Athletic Club and Portlaoise AFC, was blown away by the support given to his fundraiser at the weekend which saw him take on a 60km run to support Spinal Injuries Ireland. 

USE THE ARROWS ABOVE OR NEXT BUTTON BELOW TO BROWSE THROUGH THE GALLERY

 

On Saturday, November 2, Aengus covered 20km along the scenic Slieve Bloom Mountains. The following day, he took on 40km around Portlaoise to mark the 40 years since the car crash that changed his life. 
In total, he completed an incredible 60km. 
In November of 1984, Aengus sustained severe spinal injuries that left him spending five months in the National Rehabilitation Centre in Rochestown Avenue, Dublin. Four of those months were spent lying on his back, recovering from injuries that could have left him paralysed from the neck down.
Miraculously, his spinal cord, which was severely damaged in the accident, allowed him to make a full recovery.
Aengus, who is turning 60 years old this month, said, "Words cannot describe the weekend, a bit of a struggle today but got there. Sincere thanks to all who ran, donated, sent words of encouragement or cheered us on," 
"Thanks to all in Portlaoise A.C. and Portlaoise A.F.C, two great clubs I have been involved with for the last 42 years, he added" 
Aengus also thanked his family for all their support. He said they well exceeded their target and when cash donations are added, they will have raised well over €4,000 for Spinal Injuries Ireland. 

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