Mary's annual dance is back!

Return of popular fundraiser for Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association

The annual Nenagh social dance organised by Mary Lynch in support of the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association makes a welcome return this month.

Mary is renowned for her work in raising funds and awareness for the motor neurone disease charity. She has gone below and beyond towards this end, taking part in no less than three abseiling fundraisers – despite having a fear of heights! The first two of these were from the top of the Hogan Stand at Croke Park while the most recent, last year, saw Mary descend in suspension from the Skyview Tower in Dublin, a drop of almost 200 feet.

Before the pandemic, the Nenagh childminder was known for organising annual social dances, again as fundraisers for the IMNDA. She is delighted to now be able to hold another dance at Nenagh’s Scouts Hall. It will take place on Saturday, November 19, with dancing from 9pm until midnight and music by the ever-popular Brian McDermott. There will also be a draw on the night with some fantastic prizes to be won, many of them donated by the generous local business community.

Looking forward to organising her first dance in three years, Mary regretted that attendances at social dances in general have not returned to level they were at before covid arrived. She hoped to see a good turnout for this one, admission to which will be €10, though patrons will be welcome to make a further donation if they wish.

It is all in support of the IMNDA, a good cause that Mary has raised thousands for over the years. Her mother died from the disease and Mary has ever since been returning support to an organisation that currently provides practical assistance to over 400 families across Ireland – around 20 of which are in the north Tipperary area – yet relies on donations to make up 80% of its funding.

The IMNDA provides specialised services for people affected by the incurable disease, free of charge. These include equipment on loan, financial assistance towards home help, and practical advice. Mary praised in particular the home visits facilitated by four nurses, one covering each of the country’s provinces.

All money raised locally stays locally. Anyone who would like to contribute a prize to the draw, or make a contribution rather than attending the dance, can contact Mary at 086-3435371.