Connacht Rugby announces 'Care4Claire' charity cycle
Connacht Rugby has announced that it is organising a special provincial-wide charity cycle on Saturday, August 13, in aid of Sligo native Claire Carpenter.
The 218km cycle from The Sportsground in Galway to Sligo RFC's Strandhill home will involve both Connacht staff members and club volunteers, all with the aim of raising much-needed funds.
The cycle will begin at The Sportsground in the early hours of Saturday, August 13, and will finish at Sligo RFC. The route will take in all five Connacht counties, with stops in Ballinrobe and Ballyhaunis, Co. Mayo, Frenchpark, Co. Roscommon, Carrick-on-Shannon, Co. Leitrim, and finally Ross and Claire’s home in Coolaney, Co. Sligo, before the final stretch to Sligo RFC.
Taking part in the cycle will be representatives from clubs around Connacht as well as a number of Connacht Rugby staff members, including Andy Friend and Eric Elwood.
On February 10 last, 35-year old Sligo native Claire Carpenter suffered a serious and life-changing event. After a few days of feeling unwell, she suffered a stroke at her home in Coolaney. After being rushed to the ICU unit of Beaumont Hospital she was placed in an induced coma for over a week following a life-saving operation.
Claire is now thankfully on the road to recovery but significant funds need to be raised to allow her to continue her rehabilitation in Dun Laoghaire and eventually lead an independent life at home.
Claire’s partner Ross Mannion is a rugby participation officer with Connacht Rugby and was head coach of the Connacht women’s team in 2021.
The pair were in the process of organising their wedding this summer, which was already twice postponed due to Covid-19. Their wedding has again been postponed while they focus on Claire’s health and wellbeing. The couple have three children between the ages of seven and 14.
Shortly after her stroke, a GoFundMe page was set up to support Claire and her family. The support they have received has been nothing short of phenomenal, with over €90,000 already donated. The aim of this charity cycle is to increase that number even further and give Claire, Ross and their children the help they need and deserve.
The quickest and easiest way to support the charity cycle is by donating to the GoFundMe page. By doing this, no matter how big or small your donation will be, you will make a substantial difference to Claire’s life and would be hugely appreciated by the Carpenter, Mannion and Connacht Rugby families.
If you live near any of the stops you can also volunteer to make the stop as seamless as possible for the riders on August 13. If you would like to help out, email info@connachtrugby.ie with the subject line ‘Care4Claire’.
Please note that all vacancies on the cycle have been filled, but you can contact Connacht Rugby or your local club to register your interest if more vacancies arise. Further details about the Care4Claire cycle will be shared by Connacht Rugby in the coming weeks.