Company founded by ‘proud Mayo man’ to raise funds for Breast Cancer Ireland

A company founded by a man with Mayo blood running through his veins is to make a sizeable donation to Breast Cancer Ireland.

Shelbourne FC goalkeeper Lorcan Healy, whose mother hails from Glenamoy and whose father’s ancestors are from Charlestown, is the co-founder of Eos Elite, a company that specialises in grip socks for soccer, GAA and rugby players.

In association with the Very Pink Run fundraising campaign, the company has produced a limited edition bright pink-coloured running vest which allows users to carry their phone, keys and other accessories while exercising.

Twenty percent of the proceeds from this sports vest will be donated to Breast Cancer Ireland, a charity which funds research and promotes education and awareness on the importance of good breast health.

Speaking to The Mayo News, Healy said the idea to support this cause came from a private message from a customer who was recovering from breast cancer.

“I remember finishing training and looking at our Instagram,” the 24-year-old explained.

“They said they were recovering from breast cancer and a big part of that was getting back to exercise. They had absolutely loved exercise before their fight with cancer, so it was really kind of them to text us to say the running vest has actually been a huge, huge help to them getting back to walking and then to jogging and running as they could bring anything they need in terms of whatever medical aids they need to take with them.”

This message inspired Healy and Eos Elite’s Head of Marketing, Simon Feeney, to approach Breast Cancer Ireland with the idea of producing a limited-edition sports vest.

The charity was immediately receptive to the idea. On August 31, September 1 and September 8, Eos Elite’s limited edition sports vest will be drops in a sea of pink when the Very Pink Run comes to Leopardstown, Kilkenny and Bishopstown.

The annual run is Breast Cancer Ireland’s biggest fundraiser, raising millions annually for the charity.

“The idea of this Very Pink Run is the role that exercise plays in health and wellness and avoiding long-term diseases and chronic diseases,” explains Healy, who grew up south of London.

“So the fact that they’re raising money through an event that actively gets people moving is exactly where we come from. One of our values is physical and mental well-being, the benefit of moving, of running, any sort of sport is absolutely key, especially when we’re more sedentary as a society than ever before.”

Though he speaks with a South London accent, Healy describes himself as ‘an Irish man and a Mayo man.’

As a boy, he spent many summers on mid-term breaks exploring Erris with relatives in his family’s Erris holiday home.

At 24 years old, he has established both a successful football career in the League of Ireland and a sportswear business that is going from strength to strength.

Between his heritage, his sporting achievements and his business achievements, Healy has a lot to be proud of.

But his proudest achievement to date is stitched into the hot pink fabric of an accessory that has been ‘flying off the shelf’ since its launch.

“When this campaign finishes, and we can give the big cheque to Breast Cancer Ireland, it will probably be one of the biggest achievements that I ever had; starting a business from scratch and then being able to donate to such a good cause,” said Healy.

The BCI UltraLight Pink Running Vest is available online at www.eos-elite.com and will be on sale at the Very Pink Run at Leopardstown on Saturday, August 31, in Kilkenny on Sunday, September 1, and in Cork MTU Bishopstown on Sunday, September 8.