Coláiste Rís Student Council launches Jimmy Hearty Memorial Cup in aid of IMNDA

The Student Council at Coláiste Rís in Dundalk are busy this month, not just preparing for Leaving Cert and end of year exams, but also a charity football match, Kick for MND, a fundraiser in aid of the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association (IMNDA), with two teams, Coláiste Rís Allstars and Coláiste Rís 11 set to battle it out for the Jimmy Hearty Memorial Cup at Oriel Park, on Friday 24 April at 1.30pm, and all are welcome to attend.

Mark Dawe, who co-chairs the Student Council with Cliona Coleman, told the Dundalk Democrat that they planned the event in memory of Mark's late uncle Jimmy Hearty, a man who was heavily involved in in football all around Dundalk, but who passed away last November from Motor Neurone Disease.

"He was heavily involved in in football all around Dundalk", Mark explained, "a big supporter of Dundalk FC, he would have been very involved with Glenmuir FC. We always wanted to do something for him, and what better way than to have it in Oriel Park."

On the day, two groups of sixth years, Coláiste Rís Allstars and Coláiste Rís 11, are set to play against each other. "Back in Transition Year, we did a very similar event as a fundraiser", Mark explained. "All the lads loved it and wanted to do it again, and we decided to make it a bit bigger this time."

All the students and staff will all be heading to Oriel Park for the match, and Mark says that the support from the staff in Coláiste Rís has been “amazing”.

Read also: Over 1,600 people set to take part in the Dundalk 10k

"They've given us any time we needed, with sponsorships and stuff, any time we needed out to organise, they've been more than supportive". He adds though, "they've been constantly reminding us that we are all sixth years at the end of the day and we do have to study."

Mark highlights in particular, the help and support from Vice Principal Ms Paula Lavin, and teacher, Mr Martin Kavanagh, in getting the event orgainsed.

The students have even organised for a livestream to be broadcast online on Friday 24 April, for those who can’t attend the match.

For those who are unable to attend the fundraiser but wish to make a donation to the fundraiser, they can do so here.