The support for an initiative aimed at raising vital funds for Tipperary hurler Eddie Connolly has reached foreign shores in the last few days.
Australian scrum half Will Genia has offered his voice to the 'Score 4 Eddie' campaign in an effort to encourage people to participate in the cause by uploading a video of themselves scoring a goal, donating €4 by texting MATCH to 50300, and nominating others to do the same within 24 hours. A large amount of money has already been raised and the funds are forwarded on to the cancer care units in St Luke's and St James's hospitals through the Eddie Connolly Trust.
Several other sports stars are lending their support. Tipperary's Noel McGrath, who has just recently overcome cancer himself, as well as John Mulhall from Kilkenny, are also behind the campaign. Former Ireland and Munster rugby player Denis Leamy is a first cousin of Eddie Connolly and is one of the organisers for a ‘Night at the Dogs’ fundraiser in the Thurles Greyhound Stadium next Friday, 18 September.
Loughmore Castleineys Score4Eddie to raise money for Friends of St Lukes and The Eddie Connolly Trust Fund. Text the word match to 50300.
Posted by Noel McGrath on Friday, 11 September 2015
Eddie Connolly from the Loughmore-Castleiney club was first diagnosed with cancer in 2013. He took part in the inaugural Professor Hollywood Memorial Cup along with other players affected by cancer in 2014 but was unable to line out again for this year's game. Connolly represented Tipperary at all grades and captained the Intermediate squad to an All-Ireland title in 2012.
Connolly has represented his club and county at all grades of hurling and football, and captained Tipperary to the All-Ireland intermediate hurling title in 2012.
In late 2013, he was diagnosed with brain cancer and since then, he has been bravely and courageously battling to overcome his illness.
