Leukaemia fund launched in memory of late Athlonian Michael Hanley
A group of friends of the late Michael Hanley from various sporting organisations gathered at Buccaneers Rugby Club to launch the 'Friends of Michael Hanley Leukaemia Fund'. Their aims are to fulfil the wishes of Michael who had vowed to fund-raise for St James Hospital Dublin where he was a patient prior to his death from leukaemia. St James Hospital is currently fund-raising to build 17 apartments to accommodate the relatives of patients, while they receive treatment at the hospital. Monies gathered will go towards the building of these apartments. The organisers hope to run a number of fun events over the coming months to help St James Hospital achieve its goal. It"s planned to organise a number of fun-filled events that Michael Hanely would have enjoyed and been associated with. The events kick off on Sunday, May 17 with a fun cycle for families, Triathlon enthusiasts and everyone in between. The cycle will take place from Buccaneers Rugby Club, Coosan, Athlone to Baylin and back. For Triathlon cyclist, there is an expanded course, taking in Mount Temple. The cycle, organised by the Shannonside Cycle Club takes place at 3pm. On June 16th an organised swim will take place, details of which are yet to be finalised. This will be a good opportunity for individuals planning to take part in TriAthlone on July 18th as there will be three different distances, 250 metres, 750 metres (standard triathlon swim) and 1500 metres (Olympic triathlon swim). The third event will be a barbecue on July 25 at 7pm (venue to be confirmed) with live music by Patrice and Bernard Coyle (Ireland"s Got Talent), P.J Stacey and friends (friends being anyone brave enough to get up and sing), Reel Rhythm Irish Dancers and members of the Midland Youth Orchestra. The organisers hope that the night will bring together all Michael"s friends from the Rugby Club who knew him as "Campese", his friends from Shannonside Cycling Club who knew him as "The Mechanic" and his friends from soccer who knew him as "Hiboys " together with his other circles of friends from all other walks of life. Organisers say this night will not be for the faint hearted and a wild night of fun is guaranteed. Tickets for the barbecue are at a recessionary price of €20. This includes food (steak or chicken), music and serious crack. The criteria for purchasing tickets are that you must prove that you have a track record in Premiership Partying! Tickets for the barbecue will be on sale at the cycle fun day, at the swimming event and from the following individuals: Anthony Reilly 086-0696231 Aidan Murray 086-1655547 Michael Doolin 087-2563855, AIT Contact: Jim McGuire 086-1985956, Buckley Cycles, Trizone Athlone and DB Cycles. Donations to the Michael Hanley Leukaemia Fund can be made at AIB, Athlone Account Number: 23593574