AN IRISHMAN in London is being a real sport when it comes to raising money for charity.
Co. Mayo’s Eamonn Gallagher was spurred into action for Cancer Research UK, the Motor Neuron Disease Association (MNDA) and Mind after his family was dealt a serious of tough blows.
Having moved to London aged 25, the west of Ireland native now works as Squad Manager with the Rugby Business Network – a global not for profit for people with a passion for rugby.
And next week, in partnership with Finsbury Park RFC, Gallagher will host a bumper charity draw at The Twelve Pins in Finsbury Park.
Money raised will go towards the three charities close to the Irishman’s heart as well as a team tour to Ireland in August for a special anniversary celebration.
Having first fallen in love with rugby when Ireland won the 1985 Triple Crown, Gallagher spoke to The Irish Post about how his family has been affected by cancer and motor neuron disease.
“My mum, Maureen Gallagher, died of bowel cancer in 2001,” he said. “My dad’s sister died of breast cancer 13 years before that and my aunt through marriage died of motor neuron.
"At the time of my mother's death I went through all the usual processes that a person goes through in relation to a bereavement like this.
"I want to try and give back by helping the global fight against these horrific diseases and also to remember my mother, two aunts and our good family friends," he added.
The Irishman also spoke candidly about his own personal battles, which have led him to supporting the Mind charity - an organisation that helps people with mental health problems.
“Unfortunately like a lot of people, I battle with depression, I’m on the mild side but I still have it from time to time,” Eamonn said.
Gallagher is hoping that people will get behind his charity fundraiser in London next week.
Tickets are now available (priced at £10) for the online raffle, which closes on May 5. The draw takes place in Finsbury Park on Saturday, May 8 from 8pm.
He is also hoping to raise money towards a charity rugby trip to Co. Mayo later in the year for a pre-season tournament on August 26 to mark Ballyhaunis RFC’s 40th anniversary celebrations.
“We have ex-England rugby international Matt Perry, whose grandmother came from Ballyhaunis, confirmed as coming to the event too,” Eamonn said of the Finsbury Park night next week.
“As well as potentially a few other stars from the world of rugby to hopefully make an appearance.”
Among the prizes on offer are tickets for people to Pro 12 Final in Dublin; tickets to Champions Cup and Challenge Cup Finals in Edinburgh; flights to Ireland West Airport Knock, a B&B stay in the 4 Star McWilliam Park Hotel in Claremorris Co. Mayo, a photography session, Ball and Breakfast at two top North London golf clubs; dinner for two at Michelin Star chef Tom Aikens' restaurant in Somerset House and more.
“Depending on the money we raise we will also look at doing another Finsbury Charity Tackle Rugby weekend fundraiser, possibly at Allianz Park, the home of current European Champions Saracens RFC.
"It would be this summer before we go to Ireland for cancer charities CRUK and The Josh Carrick Foundation, motor neuron charities MNDA and J9 Foundation UK and Mind,” he added.
