Davitts GAA raise €15,000 for Heart Children charity

DAVITTS GAA Club in Ballindine has presented a cheque for €15,210 to Heart Children, the national charity that supports people born with congenital heart disease (CHD) and their families.

A match, in memory of local man Michael Mooney Jnr., who sadly passed away from complications arising from his CHD, was held at the club on St. Stephen’s Day, supported widely by the community.

Michael played with the club until age 16 and underwent several operations throughout his life to manage his condition.

Sheila Campbell, CEO of Heart Children, said: “One in every 100 children born worldwide has a congenital heart defect. It is the most common birth defect which causes the structure of the heart to form incorrectly during pregnancy.

“There is no cure and those born with the more complex forms of the condition will face a lifetime of monitoring and surgeries to stay well.

“All of this is hugely stressful on the person and their family and Heart Children offers support and assistance in their care.

“We are hugely grateful to JP Kirrane and the Mooney family for making us the beneficiary of this fundraising and want to thank the community in and around Ballindine for their contributions.”