Sporting hero’s Tommy O’Donnell and John Hayes, current and former Munster and Ireland rugby players, show their support for Organ Donation in Ireland as they launched Alan’s Sport Extravaganza in Ireland’s premiere sporting campus, University of Limerick.
Thousands are expected to arrive at the University of Limerick’s North Campus on Saturday, 2nd August to compete in a unique one day sporting event, Alan’s Sports Extravaganza held in memory of Alan Feeley (28) who died suddenly after suffering a brain haemorrhage on Monday 11th November 2013. A PE teacher of Scoil Na Trionoide Naofa, Doon, Co. Limerick, Alan was a stellar example of someone dedicated to the promotion of sport and its health benefits through both his career in education and in his personal life.
Picture Credit Brian Gavin Press 22
The launch was also attended by Clare’s hurling captain, Patrick Donnellan and former Ireland hockey captain and most capped Irish female hockey player, Eimear Cregan. Joining them was Robbie Lyons, an inspirational Irish transplant recipient who is competing in the World Transplant Games.
Aiming to raise awareness of both Organ Donation and physical activity in Ireland, Alan’s Sports Extravaganzawill centre on a tag rugby tournament with a diverse range of other activities taking place on the day from group fitness classes, kettle bell classes and weight lifting, to tug of war and much more.
By carrying an organ donor card, Alan created a legacy and became a hero with six of his organs used to save the lives of five others. In signing his donor card Alan knew the potential impact he could have on someone’s life. What he didn’t know, was the impact his decision would have throughout the country. In the immediate aftermath of his death the Irish Kidney Association (IKA) reported an 8 – 10 fold increase in the requests for donor cards via their Freetext service. Approximately one in six of these requests came from the Limerick/Mayo region.
Commenting at the launch Susan Cannon a representative from the Irish Kidney Association stated ‘ 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.’
Presented by RTE’s Irish games commentator Mícheal Ó Muircheartaigh and the Feeley family, a ‘Slick and Stylish’ ball will take place in the South Court Hotel, Limerick after Alan’s Sport Extravaganza where guests will enjoy a three course meal, an awards ceremony and prizes for best dressed on the night.
To find out more information on how you can be part of Alan’s Sport Extravaganza and register your team for the tag rugby tournament visit www.AlanFeeley.com
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About Alan’s Sport Extravaganza
Alan’s Sport Extravaganza is a one day event to be held on August 2nd 2014 in the UL North Campus. In memory of Alan Feeley the event aims to raise awareness of both Organ Donation and physical activity in Ireland. The event will centre on a tag rugby tournament but will also involve a diverse range of other activities which will promote a healthier lifestyle and organ donation on the day. Other activates include; motion fitness (kids classes), group fitness classes, kettle bell classes, weight lifting, tug of war, rock climbing, body weight exercises, bungee trampoline, strength hammer, basketball, demolition ball, trampoline run, gladiator duelling, functional movement screening and more.
Presented by RTE’s Irish games commentator Mícheal Ó Muircheartaigh and the Feeley family, a ‘Slick and Stylish’ ball will take place in the South Court Hotel, Limerick after Alan’s Sport Extravaganza where guests will enjoy a three course meal, an awards ceremony and prizes for best dressed on the night.
About Alan
The love of sport and physical activity nurtured in Claremorris and St. Colman’s College helped Alan choose his career path in physical education. He commenced his degree in the University of Limerick in 2004, graduating with a first class honours in 2008. Alan was an adrenaline junkie which tied in with his love of travel. Activities such as summiting Mt. Kilimanjaro, skydiving, scuba diving, mountain climbing, skiing, bungee jumping and surfing took him to weird and wonderful places all over the globe. Although having seen much of the world, his insatiable appetite for travel meant he was always planning the next trip.
A fantastic educator, Alan loved imparting knowledge on the students of Scoil na Trionoide Naofa, formerly known as St. Josephs, Doon. With his sporting background and education, Alan’s talents easily transferred to coaching. He took immense pride in the success achieved by his students in both football and spikeball. After playing tag and sevens rugby in recent years, Alan took up competitive rugby in 2013 with Old Crescent RFC. Impressing with the thirds teams, his natural athleticism and ability meant he was earmarked as a future AIL player.