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Liam’s army dream comes true

Friday, 26 June 2009

A NORTHSIDE boy’s dream of being an army commander for a day come true last Sunday week (June 14) thanks to the Share a Dream Foundation. Liam Gannon (12), from Priorswood, was a Special Unit Commander for the day in the army.  He had his own uniform and his army tanks available to him with troops ready for action! The Share a Dream Foundation, founded by Shay Kinsella, this year celebrates 20 years of making dreams come true and bringing a little magic into the lives of some 19,000 special children all over Ireland. “All we are trying to do is to bring a little happiness, something special into the lives of very sick and disabled children all over Ireland, who know so much fear, loneliness and heartache in their young lives,” said Mr Kinsella.  “We just want to show them they are not forgotten about as all too often they feel they are.” Every year a wonderful committee in Ballinalsoe, County Galway, organise a Family Day at Moycarn with the proceeds going to charity.  This year’s event, which took place on June 14, included aeroplane displays, dog shows, duck races, sumo wrestling and barbecues, with the proceeds being split between Share a Dream, which makes dreams a reality for sick children and the Children’s Ward at Portiuncla Hospital. However, as part of this year’s event four very special and courageous young boys, including Liam, had their dream come true on the same day. The boys and their families were guests of Share a Dream at the beautiful Carlton Shearwater Hotel in Ballinalsoe, where they spent Saturday night in preparation for their dream day on the Sunday. All of this would not have been possible if it were not for the fantastic support of the family day committee comprising Leo Kiernan, Joyce O’Grady, Geoffrey Casey, Noel Galvin and Kevin Whyte. Garda Leo Kiernan said: “It was a fantastic day and we are very thankful to everyone who came along and enjoyed a great day out with all their family.” Shay Kinsella added: “It is the greatest feeling in the world to ‘Share a Dream”’ and be part of the magic of seeing the dream come true for sick and disabled children in Ireland who contact us to make their fondest wish come true.” Share a Dream Foundation receive no official funding from the Government, lottery or any other agency but rely solely on events like the family day at Ballinalsoe to raise much needed funds to continue making dreams come true. Meanwhile, the Share a Dream Foundation is looking for people to take part in this year's Walk in the Alps in October. For more information, phone Share a Dream on 061-214100 or visit www.shareadream.ie