Joyous scenes in Offaly as 'A Push for Paul' fundraiser reaches ...

The participants had set out from Trim that morning on the second leg of the mammoth 350km run and planned an early night as they were set to walk to Nenagh the following day.

The “A Push for Paul” team were welcomed by a large gathering with the Cathaoirleach of Offaly County Council, Cllr Eddie Fitzpatrick capturing the mood when he lauded the participants for their work for a “very good cause”.

Also in attendance were Cllr Neil Feighery and Richard Ross, Services Co-ordinator at the Irish Wheelchair Association's centre in Ballinagar

The novel fundraiser was in aid of Paul Murphy who is living with mitochondrial myopathy, a condition which is very similar to motor neurone disease.

Paul, who now lives with his family near Killarney, Co. Kerry is wheelchair bound and lives with impaired motor skills.

In 2023, a group of Paul's friends, including Geashill based businessman, Matthew Farrelly, started on a fundraising journey to make Paul's family home more accessible but also to raise awareness around the accessibility issues that wheelchair users encounter on a daily basis.

The group's aim was to raise €100,000 but this target had been exceeded by almost €30,000 on Tuesday evening, revealed Matthew Farrelly, when there was still four days of the fund-raising trek remaining.

The Murphy family have extended thanks to all those involved in organising the campaign and in providing financial and other support.

You can donate to the “Push for Paul” fundraiser on the idonate page at  www. idonate.ie/ fundraiser/ apushforpaul 

Speaking at the end of Tuesday's relay from Trim to Tullamore outside the Bridge Centre, Cllr Eddie Fitzpatrick paid tribute to Matthew Farrelly, his wife, Gemma, and all those involved in organising the fund-raiser and either walking or running the various relays.

In a wide-ranging address, Matthew Farrelly paid tribute to all the fund-raiser's many sponsors, particularly those based in Offaly.

He said that Paul Murphy is one of the life’s great characters. “He could do or say anything. When we were on social occasions, there was never a dull moment as there was always a mishap or a one liner for someone, which kept us all entertained. Apart from being great company he is a great Wexford hurling supporter, a loyal friend, a great family man, loves his wife and his kids more than anything, but above all else, he has the strength of mind that none of us have ever witnessed before. The setbacks that he has suffered over the last couple of years, in particular would destroy any normal person, but not Paul, he has courageously battled against all the odds and remains as positive and up beat and great craic . He is some man; the family have been through some very tough times the last couple of years but have been inspirational in how it’s dealt with it and talking of inspiration,.”

He continued: “To our local sponsors- your generosity has been overwhelming and we thank you very much: Midland Veterinary, Shane Carroll, Raymond O’ Reilly, Ciaran and Paddy at Supermacs, John Murray, Sandra and the team at the Tullamore Court Hotel, Cathal Loughman, Eoin Mulligan, Austin Clancy, Mervyn Brooky, Tony Purcell, Therese Maloney, Shanette Sheds and NIS.”

He said his colleagues at his business, MedFind had been extremely supportive and generous with their time and donations over the last number of months, but in particular Eileen and Amanda.”

Mr Farrelly paid special tribute to his wife, Gemma, whom he described as the brains behind the operation.