Company founded by footballer with Mayo connections raises over €8,000 for Breast Cancer Ireland

A company founded by a League of Ireland footballer with strong ties to Mayo has raised over €8,000 for Breast Cancer Ireland. 

Eos Elite, founded by Shelbourne FC goalkeeper Lorcan Healy, partnered with the charity to raise €8,322 through proceeds from its limited-edition running vest. 

Produced in association with the Very Pink Run fundraising campaign, the company manufactured a bright-pink running vest - symbolising the colour of Breast Cancer Ireland - which allows users to carry their phone, keys and other accessories while exercising. 

Twenty percent of the proceeds from the sold-out vest went directly to the charity, which funds research and promotes education and awareness on the importance of good breast health.

Eos Eilte were inspired to produce the limited edition vest by a breast cancer survivor who contacted the company with a personal testimony about how their running vest had helped her return to exercise after the illness. 

Healy described it as ‘quite surreal’ to raise such substantial funds for Breast Cancer Ireland. 

Born and reared in England, Healy is the son of a Glenamoy woman and has been a regular visitor to Erris since his childhood. 

Healy said their partnership with Breast Cancer Ireland reflected the company’s values and his own personal values. 

“For us, it was a great sign that so many people buy into a healthy way of life through movement and actually already the main target for our running vests is females because they need to be safe when they are out,” Healy told The Mayo News. 

“We are all aware of stories about girls running alone. I know myself with my girlfriend that people do get worried out running or walking alone. Having the ability to, first of all, be safe and be seen through reflective safety strips which are on all of our running vests, including the Breast Cancer Ireland one, but also being comfortably able to carry your phone in a safe place means you can go out for a walk, feel completely safe, have your phone on you, be safe and be seen.”

Since being founded in 2022, Eos Eilte has expanded its customer base in Ireland and the United Kingdom to over 25,000. The company plans to open new offices in January and hire a number of new employees.

Castlebar Celtic soccer player Mark Howley is currently one of its ambassadors.