THE Lynch family of Clooney/Quin have raised a remarkable €54,333 in memory of their dad Des, who passed away from oesophageal cancer in September 2021.
Des’ family and friends proudly organised the Cycle4Des to remember their community champion and to raise more awareness about the signs of oesophageal cancer and to encourage people to go to the doctor to get checked out early.
A prominent member of the Clooney/Quin GAA club, Des served as the club’s chairperson when they won promotion to the senior ranks in 2006 and had a key role in the development of their second field. He is missed by his beloved wife Ann, loving children Annmarie , Caroline, Fergal and Rachel, daughter-in-law Angela, sons-in-law Niall & Steve, adored grandchildren Robyn, Harry, Shauna, Erin, Sarah, Jack, Emma, Eve and Lilly, brothers & sisters Mary o Meara, Fr Flann Lynch, Brendan Lynch, Olive Pickering & Vera Minogue,
Early symptoms include difficulty swallowing, persistent acid indigestion, heartburn and reflux and unexplained weight loss. Unfortunately, approximately 70% of patients experience these symptoms for 3 months before contacting their GP and the Oesophageal Cancer Fund is urging people to go to their GP early.
“Des Lynch was a very proud and well-known member of Clooney Quin GAA and a man who really understood the importance of local community and supporting local people on their cancer journey. Des was very generous and active in the oesophageal cancer community, always making time to talk to newly diagnosed patients, to let them know that they are not walking this difficult care journey alone,” said OCF CEO Carmel Doyle.
“This whopping amount of €53,000 will help the Oesophageal Cancer Fund, as the national charity representing people affected by oesophageal cancer, to really drive a higher awareness level about this cancer and to deliver our patient support and education programme in Clare and right around the country. We are so grateful to the Lynch family and to all our patient supporters in county Clare and beyond, because we simply couldn’t do what we do without your help. Fundraisers like this Cycle really keep us on the road and I want to thank every single person involved. Never forgetting Des who was always so kind with his time and generosity to others, a real community man,” Carmel added.
For more information on the signs and symptoms of oesophageal cancer or to make a donation, please visit www.ocf.ie
