Achill LGFA to solo Greenway for Croí fundraiser

ACHILL Ladies GAA players plan to solo a football along the Greenway to raise money for Croí, the heart and stroke charity, after its chairperson Packie McGinty almost died following a heart attack.

Achill GAA stalwart, Packie McGinty who previously served as President of Mayo GAA, almost died on February 29 last when he suffered a major heart attack and had to be airlifted to Galway University Hospital for emergency treatment.

Packie, who is the founder and current chairperson of Achill LGFA, spent over two weeks in hospital in Galway and was able to avail of the wonderful services of Croí, the west of Ireland heart and stroke charity.

Thankfully Packie made a full recovery and following his discharge from hospital was soon back on the sidelines watching Achill and Mayo games during the summer.

Since his discharge from hospital, Packie has made it his main aim to raise funds for Croí as he and his family are forever indebted to be able to avail of the wonderful services they provide. As a result Achill LGFA have joined him to take part in a fundraiser which will take place on August 31.

"After experiencing heart trouble myself earlier this year, I was reminded of how precious life is and how important it is to take care of our hearts. This event is our way of giving back, by raising awareness and funds for heart health, while also
supporting the future of our club," said Packie McGinty, Chairman of Achill Ladies GAA.

The Peil na mBan Achill 'Heart and Solo with Croí' event will see members of the ladies team solo a football for 49 km along the Greenway from Westport to Achill.

“Achill LGFA are truly honoured to have been asked by Packie to take part in this fundraiser as it is something that means a lot to us all.

“We ask that you can please support us no matter how big or small,” the club wrote on their social media platforms.

The players are to start the soloing challenge in Westport at 10am on Saturday, August 31 and hope to reach the GAA pitch in Polranny at approximately 4.30pm.

As part of the initiative, Croí will host a health event for the whole community at the Achill GAA clubhouse on August 31 from 1pm to 5pm. The Croí team will be there with their mobile health unit offering free blood pressure checks and pulse checks and providing information and advice on stroke prevention and heart health. This is open to the public and everyone in the community is invited to drop by and get a check.

A fundraising page for Croí has been set up on the idonate fundraising platform and people can make a donation by visiting the website, www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/croipeilnambanacaill.