Brendan takes to the water for Alzheimer’s Society

BRENDAN Cooney will be hoping for calm conditions when he starts a 123km kayak trip from Athlone Weir, County Westmeath to Two Mile Gate in Killaloe on Thursday.
If the going gets tough, the 52-year-old Quin man will draw inspiration from the memory of his late mother, Nancy, who died with Alzheimer’s in September 1999.
Even though he hasn’t set any monetary target for the demanding challenge, he hopes it will increase awareness for Alzheimer’s and the need to support services.
After developing Alzheimer’s in 1996, Nancy received great support from the Clarecastle and District Day Care Centre, which also helped to provide some respite for her sister-in-law, Helen Cooney who was taking care of her until she died.
The Inspector of Navigation in Waterways Ireland, Charlie Lawn has been a great help to Brendan, while his brother, Austin has helped him out with his training over the last few months and will also provide shore support during the challenge. As part of his training regime, he also rowed with the Clarecastle Currach Club.
“I feel if I could raise awareness about Alzheimer’s and the work of centres like the Clarecastle and District Day Care Centre, it would be a big thing.
“The hardest part of the challenge will be negotiating Lough Derg. Nestled between the mountains on the Clare and North Tipperary side, the wind always tends to whip up in the middle. The best conditions would be calm ones where the water would be flat,” he said.
The Alzheimer Society of Ireland is urging people to support Brendan in his challenge by donating money to his event. Patrons can contact the Clare Branch of The Alzheimer Society of Ireland on 065 6868621.