UL sports extravaganza in memory of Alan Feeley

ALAN Feeley’s commitment to physical activity was legendary and he be would proud to see these legends launch a sports extravaganza in his name.

Rugby’s John Hayes and Tommy O’Donnell; GAA’s Eimear Cregan and Patrick Donnellan, and Robbie Lyons - a competitor in the World Transplant Games - were all in attendance.

Thousands are expected to arrive at UL’s North Campus on Saturday, August 2 to compete in a unique one day sporting event called Alan’s Sport Extravaganza. It aims to raise awareness of organ donation and physical activity.

The late Mr Feeley, as he was known to his pupils in Scoil na Trionoide Naofa in Doon, died suddenly after suffering a brain haemorrhage last November aged just 28.

The PE teacher was the perfect example of someone dedicated to the promotion of sport and its health benefits through his teaching career and personal life.

By carrying an organ donor card he directly saved the lives of five others and indirectly many others. In the immediate aftermath of his death the Irish Kidney Association (IKA) reported an eight to tenfold increase in the requests for donor cards via their Freetext service. One in six came from either his home county of Mayo or adopted one of Limerick.

The IKA’s Susan Cannon said: “I have watched Alan’s Sports Extravaganza go from strength to strength in the last few months and this is in no small part due to the hard work and dedication undertaken by Alan’s family and friends.

“The event is not only a wonderful tribute to his life and to the life he has given to others but also will go a long way to raising awareness about the importance of organ donation.”

It will centre on a tag rugby tournament but will also involve a diverse range of other activities which will promote a healthier lifestyle and organ donation. They include motion and group fitness classes for children and adults; kettlebells; weight lifting; tug of war; rock climbing; bungee trampoline and lots more.

On that Saturday evening a slick and stylish ball will take place in the South Court Hotel presented by Mícheal Ó Muircheartaigh and the Feeley family,

To find out more information on how you can be part of Alan’s Sport Extravaganza and register your team for the tag rugby tournament visit www.AlanFeeley.com