A fund-raising event is taking place for a young Kilkenny man who has recently come out of a coma following a traumatic head injury which he received last year.
Richard Quirke (24 ) from Poulacapple, Callan, the second eldest son of Triona and Kevin Quirke, received the brain injury following a fall, on October 27 2008, while on a night out with friends in Kilkenny.
Richard remained in a coma for threemonths, under the care of the neurosurgical team in Beaumont Hospital, Dublin and St Luke’s Hospital Kilkenny.
Since January 2009 Richard has begun to make slow progress, it is expected that he will now require intensive rehabilitation and ongoing support for the foreseeable future.
A trust fund has been set up in aid of Richard in order to help with the funds required for his rehabilitation and a series of events will take place over coming weeks and months.
The first event is a ‘musical feast’ which is being hosted at St John’s church in Kilkenny.
The Castlecomer Male Voice Choir, Thukolo Gospel Choir, Noelle Morrissy, Brendan Hackett and other special guests will entertain the audience on Thursday next April 16. Doors open at 8pm and tickets are €15 on the door.
Richard attended Scoil Ruain, Killenaule, Co Tipperary and completed his secondary education in CBS Callan, Co. Kilkenny. Having moved to Callan, Richard played soccer with Callan Soccer Club and had only recently started a new job in Gorey, Co Wexford.
Since October 2008 his family and friends have maintained a consistent vigil at Richard’s bedside, willing him along step by step.
The goodwill and prayers received for Richard and his family from his employer and the people of Mullinahone, Ballingarry and Callan has been a constant source of strength to Richard’s family.
The Richard Quirke Support Fund has been established, at the behest of many people in order to provide tangible support for Richard’s recovery.
Many events are planned for the coming months to assist in Richard’s rehabilitation and will be advertised in local newspapers and shops. Donations can also be made through :
AIB Callan, Co Kilkenny, sort code: 93 30 90. Account No 04779057.
