Young Edward raises over €300 for community footpath effort

Nine-year-old Edward Moore could well be the area's youngest entrepreneur!

Edward, son of Ronan and Michelle Moore of Moydrum, has been putting his business acumen to good use recently raising funds for a proposed new footpath in his area.

Edward identified an opportunity to provide a cool refreshing lemon drink plus biscuits outside his home for sale over the May Bank Holiday weekend. His temporary drink stall became a pit stop for people as they passed by, which resulted in him raising a massive €316.

Cllr Frankie Keena, who lives in the area, said: “I am really proud of him for his intuition, drive, energy and time he put into delivering on this excellent fundraiser.”

Edward also helped his Dad in other fundraising activities such as the Cash for Clobber collection and the Metal Collection. Cllr Keena said Edward's commitment to this community effort shows his determination to raise these funds, in order to provide a safe way of walking and cycling, along such busy roads.

The Bliary/Moydrum Residents Association made an application under the Community Involvement Scheme initiative to Westmeath County Council earlier this year to provide a footpath along the L-1427 from IO Systems to Moydrum Gates.

This is phase one of their overall plan to extend the footpath to Annagortha Cross under future phases. The Community Involvement Scheme funds 85% of the overall cost and the local community funds the remaining 15%.

Cllr Keena believes the installation of this footpath would improve public safety along this key strategic link road into Athlone and would also encourage people to walk or cycle more frequently to work or school.

Edward agreed, saying: “I want a footpath so I can use my scooter safely.”

The local fundraising committee, chaired by Ciaran McKenna has rolled out a wide variety of fundraisers over the last two months and the response to date from the community and local businesses has been overwhelming.

“We are just so appreciative to everyone for their support in helping us raise the 15% contribution,” added Cllr. Keena.

He said he understood that the council had received a large number of applications under the 2021 Community Involvement Scheme.

Applications, including from the Bliary/Moydrum Residents Association, are being assessed by the council with a decision to be announced shortly, Cllr Keena said.

He added that their next fundraiser is a Fun Virtual Table Quiz scheduled for May 28 with excellent prizes to be won.