Dublin GAA legend seeks support for charity event 

DUBLIN GAA legend John O’Leary climbed the steps of Croke Park in 1995 to receive the Sam Maguire Cup following his team’s All-Ireland victory over Tyrone.

Now the captain of that team is seeking support for a climb with a difference. O’Leary, who played his club football for O’Dwyer’s in Balbriggan, is asking locals to sign up for a fundraising event this weekend.

Organised climbs, in aid of the Jack & Jill Foundation, are taking place at the Magazine Fort in the Phoenix Park on Sunday, September 22 at 2.30pm, and at Tara Pool, Lake Drive, in Citywest on Wednesday, September 25, at 1pm.

‘Up the Hill for Jack & Jill’ aims to support the Foundation’s vital home nursing and in-home respite services for seriously ill children.

Jack & Jill Children’s Foundation board member, O’Leary, knows only too well the value of the services provided.

Speaking at the launch, he said: “My son Tom was born with a heart condition and rare chromosome disorder which left him in need of constant care. He has had open-heart surgery and 56 hospital admissions. There is no other child in the world like Tom as his condition is so rare.

“Jack & Jill helped us to get Tom off to the best possible start, giving us the confidence and coaching that we needed in the early days.

“Tom is now eight-years-old and a graduate of Jack & Jill and we are so proud as a family to get involved in the ‘Up the Hill’ campaign this year where Tom will be walking with us along with his big brother Jack.

“On Sunday September 22, not only will we be going ‘Up the Hill for Jack and Jill’ in the Phoenix Park, but we will also be doing it for Tom and for all the children supported by Jack & Jill across the country, each with their own story.”

O’Leary said the Jack & Jill Foundation is all about community.

“I call it the GAA of Irish charities with a big reach into local communities everywhere,” he added. “Whether you can join us in the Phoenix Park, or on one of the other organised hill climbs, or do your own, or you’d rather just simply make a donation of €16, I’d really urge you to do what you can to lend your support.”

People are being asked to join in these or any of the other organised hill climbs, or to organise one of their own, or to simply register their support by donating €16 – equivalent to the cost of one hour of home nursing care. To register and receive a fundraising pack, visit www.jackandjill.ie