Munster In The Community
8th October 2015 By Munster Rugby
Munster Rugby players were on hand to support a number of charity and community initiatives over the past month.
Rugby’s Wheelchair Challenge
Rugby's Wheelchair Challenge asked some of Ireland’s top rugby players, including Munster’s Felix Jones, to sit into a wheelchair and witness first-hand the everyday experiences, frustrations and challenges of being physically disabled in Ireland.
Joining Jones were former Munster player David Wallace, Irish vice-captain Jamie Heaslip and former Leinster hooker Shane Byrne with each of them asked to make their way from Dublin’s Aviva Stadium to Limerick’s Thomond Park while confined to a wheelchair. Along the way they attempted to use buses, trains and taxis – as well as pure muscle – while journeying on a road less travelled.
This one-off documentary was initiated by accessibility advocate and founder of goaccessible365.com, Stephen Cluskey. Stephen is himself a quadriplegic; confined to a wheelchair after an accident at the age of eighteen.
The aim is to raise awareness about accessibility issues and in particular IRUPA’s Injured Rugby Player’s Fund and will air on TV3 tomorrow night – Friday, 9th October at 10.30PM
Guinness Advert Royalties Presentation
Following their inclusion in a recent Guinness TV commercial, the Munster team of 1978 were in attendance at Thomond Park last Friday night to present royalties from the commercial to the St Munchin’s Community Centre.
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Geraldine Tucker, wife of the late Colm Tucker of the 1978 team, made the cheque presentation to Linda Ledger of St Munchin’s Community Centre.
CUAN House Cancer Support Spinathon
CUAN House Cancer Support is a voluntary organisation established to provide a holistic centre in which people with cancer and their families can find emotional support and practical help. Their aim is to provide therapies that complement the medical model, so as to make a difference to the lives of those affected by cancer in the areas of East Cork and West Waterford.”
Last July, John Ryan, CJ Stander and Dave O’Callaghan helped launched their Spinathon which was organised to raise funds for the charity’s new premises on Friar Street, Youghal, with O’Callaghan also in attendance at the event itself in September where over €;4,000 was raised.
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Masquerade Ball for Autism
Once again this year, Munster Rugby donated match tickets in support of the Masquerade Ball for Autism. The event raises awareness for autism and supports families living with autism, while also fundraising to buy vital equipment in specialised units and schools for children with autism.
The event takes place on October 10th at Carrigaline Court Hotel.
2015/16 Munster Rugby Nominated Charities
This week also saw Munster Rugby announce CMFR Crumlin and Headway as our Nominated Charities. Over the season the province will work closely with each charity, providing them with active support on specific projects and will work to help them raise awareness and funds for projects in Ireland.
In helping with other charities’ various fundraising efforts, Munster Rugby also donated tickets to Kaylas 3rd Annual Halloween Ball at the Kilmurry lodge on Friday October30th in aid of My Canine Companion and Limerick Neonatal Unit Fund. Other good causes included, Child Syrian Refugee Crisis, Clare Crusaders, Garry McEvoy’s Cycle for Crumlin and the Butterfly Ball in aid of the Irish Cancer Society.
