Braving new heights for MND

A local family scaled new heights to raise funds for motor neurone disease and Cavan Monaghan Palliative Care.

A football family at heart, the Finnegans have watched many games played in the capital’s Croke Park. However they never thought they would be abseiling from the Hogan Stand. Led by Tracey Finnegan along with family and friends, they undertook the 44-metre descent while wearing their club colours to raise funds for the ‘Fighting for Lou’ campaign and Cavan Monaghan Palliative Care.

In total, they raised €18,555, which was split between the two causes. Tracey’s sister Louise was diagnosed with MND in 2021 when she was just 39 years. Since then, Tracey started the ‘Fighting for Lou’ campaign to raise vital funds for her sister. Cavan Monaghan Palliative Care have supported Louise and her son Lucas through the diagnosis.

Speaking to the Celt after the challenge and having presented cheques to both causes, Tracey was still on a high. Despite having a panoramic view of the city and being 150ft up in the air, it was the number of people who showed up on the day to support the family that took the Crosserlough woman’s breath away.

“It was breathtaking to see so many abseilers participating in it and showing support to Louise and the whole family.

“It was a good height and everyone was nervous but they were doing it for a good cause,” she said.

Among the nerves and anticipation of the next day, Tracey’s father Eamon had a surprise for the family the night before. The 76 year old revealed that he too would be abseiling.

“The night before the event, my dad surprised me and decided to take on this challenge alongside me.

“It was truly magical having him go down with me as we took on this challenge together.

“It was great to see our family including Louise cheering us on as we abseiled 150 feet from the Hogan Stand.”

Tracey decided to truly conquer her fear of heights by doing the abseil three times.

“I decided to abseil with each of the groups, abseiling three times on the day, taking on the fear of heights because my sister has been living in fear each day for the past three years because of this disease.”

She described how each of the 34 abseilers who turned up on the day had a reason for being there.

“In some cases palliative care has crossed paths on their doorstep,” she said.

“Palliative care provides great care and support for Louise and families across Cavan and Monaghan and it’s just to give back.”

She described how Motor Neurone Disease has affected her sister.

“All her limbs are now affected by motor neurone, she has no movement whatsoever, she is wheelchair bound.

“Motor neurone has taken over her body but her mind is well and truly with it.”

The family had hoped that Louise could go forward for trials to slow down the progress of the disease, however her condition didn’t allow her to do so.

“We are still hopeful that something will come up,” said Tracey.

Tracey thanked the entire Cavan community for their “generosity” towards any fundraising that has taken place so far.

She said those who showed up on the day of the abseil in Croke Park went “above and beyond” to raise “much needed” funds.

“Thanks so much for the support and dedication,” she concluded.