Members of a local community are rallying around a Barna woman who has been stricken with serious illness.

Martina Tierney contracted MS in 1997 and owing to the progressive nature of the disease she is now completely wheelchair-bound. Up to recently she had been able to travel out in the family car but her condition is now such that she requires a specially adapted mobility vehicle to meet her needs.

Sha has two teenage sons, Cian who plays senior rugby in Bruff, and Liam who plays with Newcastle West under 15s. Martina’s husband Liam is a native of Granagh and gave up working in Andersen Ireland Ltd in Rathkeale four years ago to devote his time to care for his wife.

A group of locals have now come together in order to organise a couple of events to raise funds to help defray the cost of a mobility vehicle for Martina’s use.

A benefit dance has been arranged for Friday June 27th at the Devon Inn, Templeglantine. The holding of an 80s disco in Club Mission, Newcastle West which will be a revival of Club Xanadu which was very popular in the town is also planned for a date to be confirmed. 

Music at the Benefit Dance will be supplied by Maura and Donie Nolan and there will be a draw on the night for a load of turf and timber which has been kindly donated.  Everybody who buys a ticket for the evening will be entered into the draw. Glensharrold Wrenboys will be along on the occasion and will perform during the dance.

Tickets are €5 each and are available by contacting 087-2061121 or 087-6993899 or at the door on the evening. 

Anyone wishing to help out with fundraising drive is most welcome to contact the same numbers.