Communities happen because of the things people do to make them happen. Communities exist because people go out of their way, to offer their skills, to pass on their expertise. It is this coming together that makes living in a small town or village worthwhile.
We all need people to play this role in life and to this end, we owe those who give of their time, ability, and selves for the betterment of the places where we all live. Community life would not function without them.
In March 2016, one Galwayman was doing his bit for his community when he suffered a terrible accident which changed his world forever. Gerry Commins from Bawnmore, Claregalway was working in a voluntary capacity at Bawnmore, when he sustained a life-changing injury which means that he is now confined to a wheelchair.
Gerry was working that day to help us all. Now, it is our turn to help Gerry rebuild his life. So, please do what you can.
He spent several months of recuperation in the National Rehab Centre in Dun Laoghaire where the seriousness of his injury was assessed. He spent several months there and last July he returned home to his family in Bawnmore.
Each week, they can see incremental steps in his recovery. He has resumed driving but there are many everyday difficulties that remain and will continue to do so.
Gerry, who lives in Bawnmore with his wife Caroline (nee Roche ) and their two children Clodagh (14 ) and Shane (11 ), needs to redesign their home to cope with his new everyday living needs. And this week we are asking all of you who can to contribute to this cause.
To that end a new extension, with his specific requirements catered for, is to be built. In an effort to help defray the costs of this extension, a fundraising raffle with excellent prizes will take place on Easter Sunday Night (April 16 ) at a function with music and dancing in the Claregalway Hotel entitled The Journey with Gerry.
Tickets for the event are €10 but you can also donate at Athenry Credit Union BIC ATRUIE21 IBAN IE60ATRU99110010472394. Cheques can be made payable to Journey with Gerry. Any help you can give will be much appreciated by the organising committee.
For further information or if you want to help with fundraising contact any member of the organising committee: Sonny O’Brien, Jackie Burke, Mary Forde, Mary O’Brien, Tony Stephens, Sean Walsh, or Kathleen Burke on 087 1616479
Event Partners: Claregalway Hotel, Galway Sports Medicine Centre, Safety Direct.
