HUGE SUM RAISED AT ENNISCORTHY FOR CONOR

Ian Fortune

Only a matter of weeks ago, in mid-August, we spoke of the wonderful benefit meeting at Enniscorthy run in aid of the Chairde Conor appeal.

Run by the Wexford Racing community, a huge crowd turned out to support a worthwhile cause with all the funds raised going to support Conor Martin’s battle against a spinal injury, which occurred after fell from a horse on Valentine’s Day earlier this year.

The fundraiser held at the showgrounds in Enniscorthy was one of many but it was certainly one of the more successful with a huge sum of money raised. Indeed, only last Friday night, a cheque was handed over to the appeal at the track amounting to almost €13,000.

It’s testament to the support and love shown from all involved in our sport and equine pursuits. A huge well done to all involved and keep up the good work as we wish Conor a speedy recovery.

Of course, the appeal continues with a target of €250,000 set on his idonate page. At present they have raised just over €176k. Below we have carried the full story from the idonate page and if you wish to make a donation you can do so at: https://www.idonate.ie/crowdfunder/CairdeConor

On Valentine's Day, 14th of February, 2024 our friend Conor Martin suffered a life changing devastating spinal cord injury in a horse riding accident.

After undergoing surgery, Conor spent seven weeks in The Spinal Unit at the Mater Hospital. He is currently continuing his rehabilitation journey at the National Rehabilitation Hospital, Dublin, striving to return home to independent living in Screen, Co. Wexford.

We are raising funds to help Conor overcome the challenges he faces on his path to independence.

Conor celebrated his 18th birthday in the Mater with his family and friends. He is an outgoing, intelligent, witty and sports loving person. As a sixth year student at CBS Wexford, he had dreams of studying Veterinary Medicine abroad this September. Conor loves socialising with his friends, has a deep passion for horses and was also a keen hurler and football player with his school team and the Shelmalier's GAA Club in Screen/Curracloe and Castlebridge Parish, Co. Wexford.

Conor is a much-loved son of Michelle Hearne and Michael Martin. Michelle is a primary school teacher and a keen member of Shelmalier's LGFA, Camogie and GAA clubs. She is an All-Ireland Senior Camogie medal winner with Wexford in 2007 and club football All-Irelands in the 90's. Michael, Conor's Dad hails from Enniscorthy and has passed his love for horses onto Conor. Michael is a keen horse trainer based in Barntown, Co. Wexford. Conor has two brothers, Jamie and Tommy and one sister, Theresa.

To support Conor's journey back to independent living, we need your help. Conor’s immediate and medium-term requirements include specialised transport and extensive equipment for independent living and ongoing medical treatment including Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy.

This initiative is part of a larger fundraising campaign that includes various events over the coming months. We would be very grateful if you would share this page with your friends and family. If anybody would like to organise an event or contact the committee, please email: cairdeconor2024@gmail.com.