Brothers dedicate jersey auction to Jonathan’s memory

TWO Northside brothers have started an ambitious fundraising venture dedicated to the memory of their sibling who took his own life three years ago.

Ian (23) and Gary (27) Kinsella, from Moatview, Coolock, are aiming to collect a signed jersey from the GAA panels of every county in Ireland.

When the brothers have collected the 32 jerseys, and also one from London and New York who have both appeared in the All-Ireland championship, they will put the entire collection up for auction. Every euro raised will go to Pieta House, a centre for the prevention of suicide and self-harm.

On May 28, 2011, Ian and Gary’s brother, Jonathan, took his own life. He was just 27-years-of-age.

Ian said they were determined to do something around the time of the third anniversary of his death.

“If this fundraiser helps to save even one life it will be worth it,

? he told Northside People.

“Our family is devastated since Jonathan’s passing. You would not wish this on your worst enemy. It’s been a very difficult three years for all of us – my parents, Gary and our sister Michelle.

“You never get over something like this. You just have to learn to live with it every day for the rest of your life.

?

In light of his family’s harrowing experience, Ian has urged people, especially those around his own age, to talk to someone if they are in distress instead of bottling up their problems.

“I would ask them to give themselves time to think about the consequences of their actions,

? he said.

“Jonathan didn’t give himself time to think and took his own life in the heat of the moment.

?

Ian said they chose Pieta House as the beneficiaries for the fundraiser because of the excellent work the centre does.

“I know people who use the service and it’s invaluable,

? he said.

Jonathan, who would have celebrated his 30th birthday last Monday week (June 16), was a big Dublin football fan hence his brothers’ decision to organise a fundraiser with a GAA theme.

“Jonathan followed the Dubs around everywhere,

? stated Ian.

“He went to all the away matches in the league, and used to bring me with him. He brought me to my very first Dublin game.

“We went to games all over the country including Kerry, Cork, Galway, Clones and Carrick-on-Shannon. The best craic was at the away matches.

“Jonathan was also a big Celtic fan and passed it down to me. He just loved his sport. He was one in a million.

?

Ian said the novel idea for the fundraiser came about after Gary got a Kilkenny jersey that was used in a championship game.

“When he got that jersey, I said: why don’t we try and get one from every county?

? said Ian.

“We also have to try and get one from London and New York as both of them also played in the championship.

?

The brothers have collected signed jerseys – a mixture of football and hurling – from Dublin, Kildare, Kilkenny, Galway, Carlow, Leitrim, Roscommon and Mayo so far.

After they reach their target of 34, they will put them up for auction at a venue yet to be decided. They are hoping to have the complete set by the time the All-Ireland football final comes around in September.

“They will be auctioned off as a whole collection,

? added Ian.

“We’re hoping a big collector of sports memorabilia might come in and give us a very good price for them. We’re aiming to raise as much funds as we can for Pieta House.

?

If anyone would like more information on this fundraising event for Pieta House, email Ian at [email protected].