Advertisement
Alan Quinlan and Jim Stapleton at Galbally RFC. Jim Stapleton
jump for donal

Alan Quinlan gets behind fundraising bungee jump for late Donal Walsh

The campaign, backed by the Walsh family, aims to raise €30,000 for Crumlin Children’s Hospital.

FORMER MUNSTER AND IRELAND flanker Alan Quinlan has backed a fundraising appeal on behalf of the late Donal Walsh that aims to get 120 people to take the plunge by bungee jumping.

Galbally Rugby Club are staging Jump for Donal on their grounds, in Limerick, on 22 June. The goal of the thrill-seeking day is to raise €30,000 for Crumlin Children’s Hospital.

Tralee teenager Donal Walsh was a patient at the Dublin hospital on numerous occasions during his long battle with cancer. Walsh passed away peacefully at home in Blennerville on 12 May.

At his funeral, three days later, his coffin was carried from St John’s Church by six members of the Munster Rugby squad, flanked by the rest of their teammates and club captain Doug Howlett. Munster’s Marcus Horan told TheScore.ie, “It was Donal’s request to have us there. We were only too delighted to contribute on the day and do something for the family. It was a special moment for everyone involved.”

Jim Stapleton, chairman of Galbally RFC, explains that Walsh’s uncle, Andrew, and his cousins are members of the club and that all involved wanted to do something to mark his tragic passing after the teen’s four-year battle with cancer.

70 bungee jumpers, each committed to raising the minimum collection target of €250, have signed up with 80 more sought to hit the ambitious goal of €30,000. Stapleton said:

We are seeking any individuals or families who may have been inspired by Donal Walsh, who may a been affected by cancer or anyone who may have benefited from the services of Crumlin Hospital in the past, to participate in the jump and help us raise funds in Donal’s name for the hospital.”

Quinlan dropped by the Galbally clubhouse late last month to give his support to the project. For more information, visit the Jump for Donal Facebook page.

Slideshow: Record-breakers, proud Mums and stiff bodies after marathon efforts

Irish team set to take Le Mans 24 hour race by storm