THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE are set to convene on the University of Limerick on Saturday for what promises to be a truly remarkable and moving occasion.
A unique one-day event called ‘Alan’s Sport Extravaganza’ in memory of the late Alan Feeley, who died at the age of 28 last November two days after he suffered a catastrophic brain haemorrhage following a gym session, aims to raise awareness of organ donation and physical activity.
Feeley, from Claremorris in County Mayo, was a lot of things in his life and as well as being a talented GAA player, he had a love of soccer, rugby and swimming while he also played waterpolo at a high level, representing Ireland on a number of occasions.
He was a qualified PE teacher, having graduated from UL in 2008 and was one of the most popular members of staff at Scoil na Tríonóide Naofa in Doon, Co. Limerick at the time of his death.
Aside from the many things he accomplished in his young life and the many lives he enhanced with his positivity and can-do attitude Feeley was an organ donor, something he decided to become mere months before his tragic death.
‘Alan’s Sport Extravaganza’ has already received huge support and if the outpouring of grief in the months that followed his death was anything to go by, this Saturday is going to be something quite special.
The day kicks off at 10am on the North Campus in UL with a tag rugby tournament but there are events on throughout the day. One thing that surely cannot be missed is Feeley’s old teammates at Claremorris GAA taking on Old Crescent RFC, though we’re not quite sure about what rule compromises have been agreed on, if any, for that one.
While that’s going on there will be free exercise classes and demonstrations which cater for people of all ages with even the mildest interest in sport and physical activity. Amongst other things there’s a skydive demo timed for 10.45am, circuit classes from 11.30am, a kettlebell workshop at 2.45pm, and the various tag rugby finals on from 3pm.
There’ll be various stalls and stands, for strength, flexibility, functional movement screening, and various exercise classes such as boxercise, and aerobics as well.
There’ll also be obstacle courses, fun activities such as trampoline runs and bungee runs so the message is clear; come on down and bring your runners shorts.
Again, one of the key messages will be to highlight the importance of organ donation and to that end, the Irish Kidney Association (IKA) will be there to provide information.
The late Alan Feeley with his dog Noosa.
The IKA’s Susan Cannon said: “I have watched Alan’s Sports Extravaganza go from strength to strength in the last few months and this is in no small part due to the hard work and dedication undertaken by Alan’s family and friends.
“The event is not only a wonderful tribute to his life and to the life he has given to others but also will go a long way to raising awareness about the importance of organ donation.”
The day will conclude with a gala ball in the South Court Hotel in Limerick, with prize-giving, speeches and videos. Micheál Ó’Muircheartaigh will act as MC for the night while RTÉ reporter Jacqui Hurley, and Munster players past and present John Hayes and Tommy O’Donnell have kindly agreed to be there also as ambassadors.
However, such was the demand for this event that tickets have long sold out. To find out more information on how you can be part of Alan’s Sport Extravaganza, donate, or register your team for the tag rugby tournament visit www.AlanFeeley.com
Keen sportsman Alan Feeley to be remembered at UL event this weekend
THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE are set to convene on the University of Limerick on Saturday for what promises to be a truly remarkable and moving occasion.
A unique one-day event called ‘Alan’s Sport Extravaganza’ in memory of the late Alan Feeley, who died at the age of 28 last November two days after he suffered a catastrophic brain haemorrhage following a gym session, aims to raise awareness of organ donation and physical activity.
Feeley, from Claremorris in County Mayo, was a lot of things in his life and as well as being a talented GAA player, he had a love of soccer, rugby and swimming while he also played waterpolo at a high level, representing Ireland on a number of occasions.
He was a qualified PE teacher, having graduated from UL in 2008 and was one of the most popular members of staff at Scoil na Tríonóide Naofa in Doon, Co. Limerick at the time of his death.
Aside from the many things he accomplished in his young life and the many lives he enhanced with his positivity and can-do attitude Feeley was an organ donor, something he decided to become mere months before his tragic death.
And following his untimely passing his family and girlfriend Louise Galvin decided his organs would be donated, giving life to no less than five people just eight months.
‘Alan’s Sport Extravaganza’ has already received huge support and if the outpouring of grief in the months that followed his death was anything to go by, this Saturday is going to be something quite special.
The day kicks off at 10am on the North Campus in UL with a tag rugby tournament but there are events on throughout the day. One thing that surely cannot be missed is Feeley’s old teammates at Claremorris GAA taking on Old Crescent RFC, though we’re not quite sure about what rule compromises have been agreed on, if any, for that one.
While that’s going on there will be free exercise classes and demonstrations which cater for people of all ages with even the mildest interest in sport and physical activity. Amongst other things there’s a skydive demo timed for 10.45am, circuit classes from 11.30am, a kettlebell workshop at 2.45pm, and the various tag rugby finals on from 3pm.
There’ll be various stalls and stands, for strength, flexibility, functional movement screening, and various exercise classes such as boxercise, and aerobics as well.
There’ll also be obstacle courses, fun activities such as trampoline runs and bungee runs so the message is clear; come on down and bring your runners shorts.
Again, one of the key messages will be to highlight the importance of organ donation and to that end, the Irish Kidney Association (IKA) will be there to provide information.
The IKA’s Susan Cannon said: “I have watched Alan’s Sports Extravaganza go from strength to strength in the last few months and this is in no small part due to the hard work and dedication undertaken by Alan’s family and friends.
“The event is not only a wonderful tribute to his life and to the life he has given to others but also will go a long way to raising awareness about the importance of organ donation.”
The day will conclude with a gala ball in the South Court Hotel in Limerick, with prize-giving, speeches and videos. Micheál Ó’Muircheartaigh will act as MC for the night while RTÉ reporter Jacqui Hurley, and Munster players past and present John Hayes and Tommy O’Donnell have kindly agreed to be there also as ambassadors.
However, such was the demand for this event that tickets have long sold out. To find out more information on how you can be part of Alan’s Sport Extravaganza, donate, or register your team for the tag rugby tournament visit www.AlanFeeley.com
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