Fantastic result for football fundraiser in Ireland

Meningitis Research Foundation would like to sincerely thank Bray Neighbourhood Youth Project for holding another successful fundraiser in aid of the charity.

The second annual Keelan O’Connor Cup football tournament and family fun day took place on Wednesday, 12th April. Keelan was a member of the Youth Club who tragically died from meningitis in 2015. Since then his friends and family have been actively supporting Meningitis Research Foundation in his memory.

There was great support from the local community on the day and a total of €660 was raised for the charity. The day finished with an awards ceremony, filled with emotion, where Keelan’s Mum Leanne presented the winners with their trophies and Keelan was remembered by all who loved him.

The winning team on the day was captained by James Murray and the runners up were led by Brandon McGrath. Player of the Tournament went to Elliot Ryan while the leading goal scorer was Jake Kane and Cian Mullen was the winner of the penalty shoot-out.

Caroline Krieger, Medical Information Officer for Meningitis Research Foundation said: “We are extremely grateful to Bray Youth Project and the local community for their ongoing support. As a Non-Government funded organisation, the charity relies on the generosity of local communities and fundraising events to continue its vital work in Ireland.”

Meningitis Research Foundation funds research into the prevention, detection and treatment of meningitis and septicaemia, raises awareness of the diseases amongst both the general public and health professionals and supports families affected via one-to-one home visits and a freefone helpline service: 1800 41 33 44.

Pictured at the cheque presentation from left to right are: Leanne O’Connor Keane, Shane McDermot, Callum Berry, Caroline Krieger, James Murray, Luke Murray and Jonathon Keane.The winning team photo features: Leanne O’Connor Keane, Rory Byrne, James Murray, Mick O’Neill, Ross Maloney and Dan Murphy.

Media contact:

For further information please contact Caroline Krieger, Medical Information Officer, on: 01 819 6931/ caroline@meningitis-ireland.org.

Background Notes:

MRF estimates that there are approximately 200 cases of bacterial meningitis and septicaemia every year in Ireland. They are easily mistaken for milder illnesses, but unlike a dose of flu can kill within hours and may cause serious, life-long disabilities. As many as one in 10 of those affected will die and a third of survivors will be left with after-effects, some as serious as brain damage, amputations, blindness and hearing loss
Since December 2016 all babies born on or after 1st October 2016 are routinely vaccinated against Meningococcal B (MenB) at 2, 4 and 12 months, as part of the Primary Childhood Immunisation Schedule. However no catch up campaign was introduced for older children
There are currently 17 projects in MRF’s active research programme. Since the charity was founded in 1989, we have awarded 156 research grants. The total value of our investment in vital scientific research is over €24 million
MRF also supports those already affected with a telephone helpline, home visits and befriending. Our Freefone helpline – 1800 41 33 44 – provides information to the general public and those affected by the disease. We provide symptoms information, research and case studies at www.meningitis.org
Donations can be made online but people can also donate €2 from their mobile phone by texting MenB to 50300. Texts cost €2. Meningitis Research Foundation will receive a minimum of €1.63. Service provider: LIKECHARITY. Helpline: 076 6805278

Media contact

Elaine Devine - Director of Advocacy, Communications & Support

Tel: 0333 405 6248

elained@meningitis.org

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