GAA community rallies to help man who lost use of both arms and legs

The GAA community in Co Cavan has rallied to support a former player who has lost the use of his arms and legs.

Thomas Doonan’s world turned upside down in October 2020, as he was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease.

A life changing debilitating illness, the rare condition progressively damages parts of the nervous system. This leads to muscle weakness, often with visible wasting.

Before receiving the devastating news, Thomas was a very active man who worked as a woodwork teacher in Loughan House for nearly forty years.

An active member of the community, he used to be heavily involved with Templeport GAA, not only playing for them, but also held many coaching and official positions within the club.

Now, Thomas has lost the use of his arms and legs, his speech is slowing and he is a wheelchair user - life as he knew it changed forever.

To help Thomas with his medical care, Templeport GAA, LFGA and Templeport Development Association have organised a fundraiser.

“There’s no hiking up the beautiful mountains of West Cavan with his loving family. There’s no playing football, nor even having a kickabout with his grandkids. Thomas cannot even hold nor hug them anymore. There’s no running up the stairs to the bedroom that he shared with Carol, his adored wife of thirty-eight years. His muscles just won’t work,” they explained.

“MND is a neurodegenerative condition in which nerves that control voluntary muscles stop working, leading to weakness, and wasting, affecting everyday activities, including walking, talking, eating, drinking, and even breathing.

“Putting on his own socks is an impossibility for Thomas now. He requires twenty-four-hour care with help required for the most mundane of tasks,” they said.

Despite his diagnosis and challenges, Thomas is still an active and valued member of Templeport St Aidan’s GAA.

“This upbeat and positive 61-year-old man has lost use of his arms, and is resigned to a wheelchair, but Thomas has not allowed this disabling disease to define him. He has been raising awareness of this debilitating affliction since being diagnosed. Over the past three years, Thomas has been involved in raising over €65,000 for Irish Motor Neurone Disease.”

The disease has had an irrevocable impact on Thomas and his family.

“Thomas has learnt what it is to fight, and he battles this disease as a true warrior would, with determination and resilience. He is determined to live his best life, with love and support from his wife Carol, their children, grandchildren, and the West Cavan community which stands strong beside him. Now is our time to stand shoulder to shoulder with Thomas,” they concluded.

You can donate to the fundraiser here.