Shane Mulholland DP01
THE MEMORY OF former Fermanagh senior hurler Shane Mulholland lives on through a foundation created in his honour.
The native of Loughgiel in county Antrim, but living at Kilnakelly, Derrylin, 27-year-old Shane , an underage hurling coach, lost his life in a road collision on April 24, 2015 on the main Lisnaskea to Derrylin Road.
Shane was due to start coaching the under 10s in Derrylin O’Connell’s GAA the following morning and was a valuable member of the Lisbellaw hurling club, where he coached the under 14s and under 16s.
Out of tragedy, just six months later the Shane Mulholland Foundation was created in October 2015 with a view to keeping Shane’s memory alive by continuing the good work he had already begun within hurling development.
Speaking to the Herald this week Shane’s wife Vanessa, who with Shane has a baby daughter Aisling, spoke about the work of the Shane Mulholland Foundation.
“The mission statement for the foundation includes the words ‘Promote, Participate, Support and Encourage’ and that is primarily what the Foundation is all about – specifically the promotion of Gaelic Games – hurling especially – at underage level throughout the local communities.”
Vanessa expressed her hope that through the foundation the hurling knowledge and expertise of her late husband will live on through others and be passed on to the youth of Fermanagh and further afield
“Shane was due to start hurling training with the U10’s in his local club Derrylin the day after he sadly passed away. It was something he was very passionate about and keen to get up and running. Unfortunately, there has been no one to stand in his place, or anyone with his coaching expertise, hurling knowledge and willingness to give up their time voluntarily to do this, so the coaching never began. It is this we hope, with the help of the Foundation to change.
“At the moment we are very much at the start of our fundraising campaign and hope to secure enough funding to appoint a coach or coaches within a number of areas initially, to help develop the game, provide equipment etc to schools and clubs as well as supporting any existing organisations.”
To date one event has been run specifically for the Shane Mulholland Foundation – a Memorial Shoot and prize giving night – organised and held by Swanlinbar Gun Club.
“The event was a great success and the support was overwhelming,” continued Vanessa. “Derrylin District and Gun Club have also held a game tasting night, kindly making a donation to the Foundation.
She added: “We anticipate further events over the course of the coming year, and welcome any local support.”
To find out more you can visit Shane Mulholland Foundation on Facebook or on Twitter @SM2_Foundation
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