| A serious rugby injury is a frightening prospect for any player, and his, or her, family. Rugby is a contact game and injuries are a reality. Over the years there have been a number of players seriously injured involving various forms of paralysis. We now have 30 seriously injured players or, as former Irish International Mick Quinn said “thirty young men who walked out with their kit bags to play in a rugby match and came home in a wheelchair”.
Nobody can help make up for the loss which an injured player suffers. However, in 1978 the IRFU recognised the need to put in place a means to help, where possible, restore the players’ confidence and to assist them in their daily lives. They did so by setting up the IRFU Charitable Trust.
Through its very active committee, the Trust maintains regular contact with each injured player and their families. They also help with locomotory expenses, specialised equipment (such as lifting equipment, beds, or wheelchairs), home alterations, medical expenses, nursing and caring costs, motor vehicles etc. This is not an exhaustive list but it gives an indication of the kind of help provided by the Trust. Over the past few years the average payment for assistance has amounted to about €220,000 per annum.
To fund this assistance the Trust relies upon regular substantial grants from the IRFU itself, together with generous donations and gifts. In recent years, it has also benefited from regular fund raising events run by their own Committees.
Among the best known fund raisers, run by the Trust, undoubtedly has been the biannual 100 kilometre Walk. To date, there have been three, (two in Australia and one in New Zealand) coinciding with two British and Irish Lions Tours and a Rugby World Cup. Led mainly by Mick Quinn, and Bryan O’Neill (with quiet assistance from Eleanor Connolly), over 150 willing participants have used their time and fund raising skills, to help raise valued additional funds for the Trust. They now hope to walk again – this time in France during the 2007 R.W.C.
A new fund raising venture was the Trusts first Pro AM Golf outing, run in conjunction with the Irish PGA in Mount Juliet last August. This day, which ended with a Gala Dinner and auction, was driven by Dr. Cliff Beirne. With over 120 in attendance, it proved a most rewarding event for all who participated – especially the Trust
Other fund raising ventures during the past year include an Ulster Club Quiz, provincially organised Dinners and George Hook’s Dunking extravaganza, courtesy of Guinness, in Grafton Street, during last seasons RBS 6 Nations Championship. More recently, the Trust’s colourful wrist bands (representing all four provinces) have cut quite a dash! Sponsored by Rugby Tech they are available at €2.00 each from all Elvery outlets.
As the profile of the Trust increases, so too do the needs of our seriously injured players. Therefore, the Trust must continue to raise additional funds. One immediate means of doing so, is through the Friends of the Charitable Trust scheme. With over 400 members, it provides a very valuable regular annual income. However, the Trust is now anxious to expand this membership. All the funds raised go directly to the Trust, while Friends receive an annual choice of a specially commissioned tie, scarf or bow tie, together with an annual newsletter and an invitation to an Annual Dinner, with a growing profile, at privileged rates. This year’s Dinner was held on Friday 11th November in the Mansion House, Dublin, and was addressed by President Mary McAleese supported by Stephen Hilditch, the former International referee. Over 500 people enjoyed an excellent night.
The Union monitors the Trusts activities through five Trustees: D.M Crowley, A.R. Dawson, J.D. Hussey, R. Meates and J.E. Nelson.
They ensure that the Trust is administered properly and that all monies raised are distributed in an equitable manner. The day to day affairs of the Trust are administered by a Management Committee appointed by the Trustees following recommendations of the IRFU Committee. This years Committee is J.F. Smith (Chairman), Dr. C. Beirne, J.R. Callaghan, S.O. Campbell, B. Dawson, J. Doherty, E.G. Feely, C. Fitzgerald, P. Fitzgerald, J. Gallagher, J.D. Hussey, P. F. Madigan, Dr. L.N. O’Mahoney, M.A. Quinn, T.M. Ringland and J.B. Stevenson.
Any injury in Irish rugby is one too many. The ideal situation would be where there would no need for the IRFU Charitable Trust. However, sadly, that is not the case, and seriously injured players do need support. Every member of the Irish Rugby Community can help the Trust in the aims to assist those unfortunate players who have suffered permanent injury. Your help will make a difference.
Charity Number: CHY6120
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