Broadford community comes together to support Carol Liston O’Connor following Motor Neurone Disease diagnosis

Broadford community comes together to support Carol Liston O’Connor following Motor Neurone Disease diagnosis. Carol Liston O’Connor pictured with her husband Liam and their five children

The community of Broadford is coming together to support one of its own, Carol Liston O’Connor, a mum of five who received the devastating diagnosis of Motor Neurone Disease in November of 2022

Updated April 8, 2024

Having eclipsed the initial goal of €200,000, the fundraisers are now more than €222,000 towards the goal of €250,000 to help with the everyday needs as well as support for Carol in receiving treatments which can be expensive and often abroad.

Since starting the fundraiser, Carol and husband Liam have appeared on Virgin Media’s Ireland AM, as well as in the Irish Independent where they could highlight the fundraiser and the impact of living with motor neurone disease.

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Upcoming fundraisers include a replay of the 2003 County Senior Football Final between Athea GAA and Dromcollogher GAA on Saturday, April 13 at Pairc na Gael, Athea with throw-in at 5pm.

The group are also holding a Vehicle Run on April Sunday, April 14 in Broadford with tickets available for €20, the event will also see a Ford 4600 tractor being raffled off at €50 per ticket or three for €100; all funds raised on the day going to Carol Liston O’Connor and her family.

By I Love Limerick editor, Cian Reinhardt

Originally from Athea and a resident of Broadford for the past 15 years, Carol, along with her husband Liam, a self-employed plumber, and their five children ranging from 4 to 11 years old, is confronting the life-changing impact of Motor Neurone Disease.

Carol’s friends and colleagues have started a GoFundMe with a goal of €200,000 to help with raising money to enable Carol to avail of treatments, and to adapt her transport and home.

At 42 years old, Carol, a beloved member of the community, has been described by her friends as resilient and inspiring despite facing significant challenges.

Friends and neighbours are rallying behind Carol and her family by organising a number of fundraising events including the GoFundMe page to help alleviate the financial burden, and recognising her contributions to the community, the group is determined to support her during this challenging time.

The group said, “For Carol and her family this disease has had an irrevocable impact on their day-to-day life. Carol now requires 24 hour care & is a wheelchair user. Liam is unable to work full-time and is trying to manage Carol’s care and the care of their 5 children. 

“The day-to-day running of a house and cost of rearing children remains the same. Their mortgage and bills still have to be paid.”

Speaking about her impact in the community, the GoFundMe page reads, “Before Carol’s diagnosis she was a very active member of the community. She was a secondary school teacher in Desmond College (Newcastle West) where she is still held in the highest regard. 

“Carol has given her whole life to working with young people not just in the classroom but also on the GAA Field. She not only has played with Athea Ladies Football but she has also held many coaching and official positions in Athea & Dromcollogher Broadford GAA.”

The group even noted that “despite her diagnosis & challenges, is currently chairperson of Dromcollogher Broadford Coiste Na nÓg”.

The group are launching their fundraising events on Monday, February 12 at 8pm in The Devon Inn, Templeglatine, saying, “As well as the music event, we will also be doing a football match in Athea on Saturday, 13  at 5pm, which sees the two teams that took each other on in the 2003 County final play a rematch. This will have both original teams coming out of retirement. We are also running a tractor/truck/ vintage run on Sunday, 14 from Broadford, Co Limerick.”

Thanking people for their support, the group said, “We ask you to consider contributing to this campaign. A gift from you today will aid Carol in availing of treatments/equipment and support her and her family to live with MND and enable Carol, Liam and their children to enjoy their time together without financial worries. Any contribution would be greatly appreciated.”

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