Thomas Doonan Benefit Fund

Together, shoulder to shoulder with Thomas Doonan – Benefit Fund

Thomas Doonan a once very active man has lost use of his arms and his legs, his speech is slowing and already he has his voice banked. He is now a wheelchair user, and life as he knew it has changed forever.

Thomas received the devastating news on the 29th of October 2020 that he has Motor Neurone Disease, a life changing debilitating illness.

There are approximately 400 people living with it in Ireland presently.

There’s no hiking up the beautiful mountains of West Cavan with his loving family. There’s no playing football, nor even having a kickabout with his grandkids. Thomas cannot even hold nor hug them anymore. There’s no running up the stairs to the bedroom that he shared with Carol, his adored wife of thirty-eight years.

His muscles just won’t work.

MND is a neurodegenerative condition in which nerves that control voluntary muscles stop working, leading to weakness, and wasting, affecting everyday activities, including walking, talking, eating, drinking, and even breathing.

Putting on his own socks is an impossibility for Thomas now.

He requires twenty-four-hour care with help required for the most mundane of tasks.

This is Thomas Doonan’s life now.

Before Thomas’ diagnosis he worked as a woodwork teacher in Loughan House for nearly forty years and was a very active member of our community. He was heavily involved with Templeport GAA, not only playing for them, but also held many coaching and official positions within the club. He was also a well-respected referee. Despite his diagnosis and challenges, Thomas is still an active and valued member of Templeport St. Aidan’s GAA.

This upbeat and positive 61-year-old man has lost use of his arms, and is resigned to a wheelchair, but Thomas has not allowed this disabling disease to define him. He has been raising awareness of this debilitating affliction since being diagnosed. Over the past three years, Thomas has been involved in raising over €65,000 for Irish Motor Neurone Disease.

For Thomas, his wife and their family, this disease has had an irrevocable impact on their day-to-day life.

There is no effective treatment or cure. MND is life shortening.

Templeport St. Aidan’s GAA and LGFC together with Templeport Development Association are fundraising to help reduce the impact MND has on Thomas’ daily life. It is to help pay for his home and transport adaption, his medical care, and the equipment needed for the management of his future needs to continue living at home.

Thomas has learnt what it is to fight, and he battles this disease as a true warrior would, with determination and resilience. He is determined to live his best life, with love and support from his wife Carol, their children, grandchildren, and the West Cavan community which stands strong beside him.

Now is our time to stand shoulder to shoulder with Thomas.

No matter how big or small please contribute what you can today, and please share his story with friends and relatives.