Clara musician planning motor neurone disease fundraiser

Well-known Clara musician Catch Berry is to host a music and memories fundraiser later this month for the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association (IMNDA).

Catch, who was recently diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND), is hoping to raise not only much needed funds for the IMNDA with the event, but also to raise awareness of the devastating disease that five families in Offaly are currently living with.

MND is a progressive neurological condition that attacks motor nerves in the brain and spinal cord. This means messages gradually stop reaching muscles, which in turn leads to weakness and wasting. The disease can affect how sufferers walk, talk, eat, drink and even breathe.

The IMNDA was set up in 1985, and since then has been providing care and support to MND sufferers, as well as their carers, families and friends. In order to provide its services however, the organisation depends heavily on public donations, which generate almost 90 per cent of its income.

Catch Berry’s event is set for Clara Sports and Leisure Centre at 8.30pm on Monday, August 25. Those attending on the night will get to enjoy a line-up of artists including John Hogan, TR Dallas, the Celtic Blondes, Jack Rabbette and Band, Mick Lynam and lots more. Comperes on the night will be Clara’s finest Barry Flynn, along with Offaly hurling referee Brian Gavin.

Tickets for the August 25 event are currently available locally for €10, and will be available on the night for the same price.