Moate Indoor Market raises more than €1,300 for local man David Digan

By Rebekah O'Reilly

Moate Indoor Market recently presented a cheque to Moate native David Digan in aid of his robotic arm prosthetic trial.

Organised by the Mount Carmel Drive Residents Association, the market event started in 2018 as the main fundraiser to maintain and improve the community’s all-inclusive playground and surrounding areas.

Now that the fundraising for the park is complete, the organisers decided to arrange a last hurrah in aid of a local cause.

The indoor market, which took place on Sunday, May 18, saw between 50 and 55 stalls selling brick-a-brack items, including everything from jewellery to clothes to toys, and raised a total of €1,300 for David.

"We know David personally, both of his parents are from Moate, and he is living here himself for the last few years," said Mary Greally, Chairperson of the Mount Carmel Drive Residents Association.

"There's a lot of hidden costs for his trial, from food to hotels, and he has a daughter to support as well. Supporting David is a more personal cause."

David currently has no active nerves - and absolutely no sensation - in his arm after a devastating motorbike accident in 2018 left him suffering with paralysis of the left arm.

The 40-year-old is now taking part in a trial which will see him make several trips to Vienna, Austria, with the hope of regaining mobility in his arm.

The organisers extended their thanks to all of the stall holders on the day, to Moate Community Hall for hosting the event, and to the community for supporting the market throughout the years.