Andrew Carey
THE internet is literally saturated with Limerick IceBucketChallengers dowsing themselves to varied extremes – but all in a good cause.
Earlier this summer, the phenomenon covered the web in a tidal wave of virals and it wasn’t long before the Irish community both here and abroad joined in the high jinx.
ALS – Lou Gehrigs Disease or Motor Neurone Disease, as it is known here in Ireland – is a degenerative disease for which there is no cure. The body slowly gives up while the mind and its functionality remains intact.
Pete Frates, an all-American college baseball player, was making his breakthrough to the big leagues in Boston and life was good for the big slugger. At 27 and in the prime of his life, he was diagnosed with ALS. Family, friends and sports stars rallied to do what they could and the ice bucket craze took off.
Money was donated and the iced water was flying left, right and centre.
This week, Limerick council chiefs were the last dowsers to go in front of the cameras but Mayor Michael Sheahan raised some eyebrows when he said he was delighted to accept the challenge and would do it again and again.
The reason became clear when he explained that his father, John Joe Sheahan, died of Motor Neurone in 1982 and, according to Mayor Sheahan, he “went through living hell for two years losing his hands and his voice and all”.
Sporting a Limerick GAA jersey and a broad smile, Limerick’s first citizen said: “I have a real reason for doing it and I will do it as often as people ask me – but I better keep a couple of changes of clothes with me.
“Motor Neurone is not that well-known as it is a “very private illness. In my father’s case, when he lost the use of his hands and voice, he just didn’t want visitors anymore. He was totally mentally alert, no pain whatsoever but it was so frustrating because behind those eyes was an intelligent man who just couldn’t get his message out.”
Mayor Sheahan was joined by senior council officials including chief executive Conn Murray and Cathaoirleach Kevin Sheahan for their dousing which was carried out by members of Limerick city fire and rescue.
Last Friday, Chief Superintendent Dave Sheahan was dused in 110 litres of iced water in front of Henry Street Garda Station before calling out the Mayor, Irish womens rugby star and fellow Garda Niamh Briggs and Limerick billionaire and philanthropist JP McManus to take part in the challenge.
To date, almost €500,000 has been raised for Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association while a figure in the region of $80m has been raised for ALS worldwide since July 29.
