Horseleap pub raises over €6k for Alzheimer Society of Ireland

The Horseleap community came together in support of The Alzheimer Society of Ireland, as they took part in a skydive which raised over €6,150 for the charity.

The skydive, organised by David and Nichola McGuinness, owners of Paddy Ryan's pub in Horseleap, saw 17 members of the local community taking the leap in aid of The Alzheimer Society of Ireland, the leading dementia-specific service provider in Ireland.

The fundraiser was organised in memory of the late Rose McCormack, with her son Matty McCormack taking part in the dive, and saw the group participate in a tandem jump at the The Irish Parachute Club in Clonbullogue.

"Matty's mum Rose always wanted to do a skydive. We were inspired by that, as well as my wife Nicola, who has seen Alzheimer's in her own family," said David McGuinness.

"Matty is a great friend of ours, and a great supporter of Paddy Ryan's, so it meant a lot to us to do this in honour of his mum."

The group included participants ranging in age from 19 to those in their 50s, with participants coming from both Westmeath and Offaly to join the dive.

“There wasn't much preparation needed! We had an hour of training beforehand, and it was a tandem dive, so we were all attached to an experience diver."

For David, the day represented more than just a physical challenge, it was an exercise in strengthening the community.

"We've been running the pub here for two years, and we're delighted to see that we are building a community.

Doing something like the skydive brings people together for good, and it really created a great buzz and a sense of togetherness."

A check for €6,150 was presented to Leanne Taitt from The Alzheimer Society of Ireland at a presentation event in Paddy Ryan's on Saturday, October 11.