While these are challenging times for us all if you can see your way to helping little Dan Donoher, son of former Laois player Niall, who is just one and suffering from a rare muscular disease Spinal Motor Atrophy Type 1 it would be greatly appreciated.

Details of a recently launched appeal to fund Dan receiving potentially life saving treatment are below.

A fellow Gael needs our help.

Dear Chairman,

My name is Sean Dempsey.

I’m a Laois man from the St Joseph’s GAA club.

In October 2003 I had the privilege of watching a group of boys, whom by that point I had worked with for almost 8 years, mature into men and claim a famous All- Ireland minor victory.

On their journey to glory I witnessed them meet and overcome every challenge head on; their strength and unity made them a force to be reckoned with, they epitomised the word team.

Their dedication to Laois was unwavering and they brought great joy and hope to the county.

Fast forward 17-years and they are united once more. This time their end goal is different, this time, it’s not about winning matches it’s about saving a life.

Dan Donoher, son of former Laois player Niall, is in a battle that no child should ever have to face. He is suffering from a rare muscular disease called Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type1.

Dan just turned one and his life expectancy is barely beyond that, without lifesaving medical intervention he will not see another year.

This infusion he needs is available exclusively from an American pharmaceutical company at a cost of 2.1 million dollars.

To date almost 400,000 euros has being raised but our fundraising projects has been hampered by the corona virus and restrictions rightfully imposed to help limit it spreading.

However the GAA community is like no other and when we stand together, we are capable of anything.

I know there are challenging times ahead for us all but little Dan Donoher does not have the luxury of waiting for this crisis to end. He needs help now.

Time waits for no child, man or woman so your generosity and speed of response is vital.

I am writing to plead for help for Niall, his wife Aisling ne Quigley ( whose brother Brendan was also on the 2003 team) and their son to all units of the GAA. worldwide. I believe if we all donate we can save young Dan’s life.

If you can please share this with your executive, club members, sponsors and friends I will be forever grateful.

Bank details for save Dan

BIC IPBSIE2D

IBAN IE36IPBS99072229585184

OR Go fund me #do it for dan if you choose go fund me please say what club or county your

from.

Thank you so much in advance for your support.

Sean Dempsey

Team do it for Dan!