This article is from page 21 of the 2012-05-08 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 21 JPG
A NORTH Clare woman who lost her sight almost five years ago has become the spokesperson for one of the country’s most high-profile charities and has now been charged with organising its biggest fundraiser for 2012.
Áine Mae O’Mahony was declared blind after a series of laser treatments and surgeries when she was just 25 years old.
The former café owner adapted to her condition with such grace and bravery that she has since become a “poster girl” for the charity Fighting Blindness Ireland, representing the charity and sharing her story both locally and in the national press.
This year, the charity asked the Lahinch woman to organise a major fundraiser.
Sticking to her roots, she has planned and organised a triathlon and family fun days for the last weekend in July, which was traditionally Gala Sunday.
The Áine Mae Fighting Blindness Weekend is scheduled to take place on July 28 and 29 in the seaside town.
Ms O’Mahony said the weekend will have something for everyone.
“It will include a vision challenge consisting of a run, one-kilometre paddle on boards, another run and a cycle with an early morning start. Seaworld have given us a venue to host a kiddies disco, bouncy castles and other events and we already have many more sponsorships,” she said.
“There will be many mini events and novelty ideas on the days. John McCarthy of the Lahinch Surf School has given his premises at the back so we can host a barbqueue and music for all the volunteers who have taking part.
“I have full support from Senator Martin Conway (FG) and the local county councillors, as well as the community itself. We have had several meetings with a positive outcome,” she said.
As well as raising much needed funds for Fighting Blindness, a charity that supports research into the causes of blindness and any possible cures, Ms O’Mahony also hopes the Áine Mae Fighting Blindness Weekend will resurrect the traditional Gala weekend in Lahinch.