Enda Kenny is delighted to endorse an exciting White Collar Boxing Extravaganza on behalf of the Mayo Branch of the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association- a group of volunteers who have come together to raise local awareness and funds on behalf of the association.

Building on the huge success that Ireland has had with boxing as a sport at Olympic, and international professional levels, the Mayo Branch of the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association are now seeking local heroes and heroines to volunteer to take part in a six week intensive boxing training course and then perform three rounds in the boxing ring next March while at the same time raising much needs funds and awareness on behalf of the association.

Training for the event is being provided by Cathal O Grady of White Collar Boxing together with local boxer and Junior World Champion Ray Moylett. The training is to take place in Mayo and commences in January 2010. What better way is there than this to get fit for the New Year and blow away the excess cobwebs of the Christmas indulgence while raising funds for a very worthy cause?

The Mayo Branch of IMNDA are asking you to swap your office chair or other workplace environment for the thrill of the boxing ring.

Enda Kenny, a political and personal friend of the late Peter Irwin who lost his battle against this debilitating illness, is pleased to show his support for this event in an effort to Fight Motor Neurone Disease. Many of us will also remember Elaine O’Leary, a young woman and mother who succumbed to this illness in 2008.  Currently there are three people with Motor Neurone Disease in county Mayo and  67 patients in the West.

This thrilling fight night is set to take place on Friday 5th March 2010 at the TF Royal Castlebar, Mayo. This promises to be an exciting, fun-filled night, featuring special guests from the sporting world, sports media world, as well as local Mayo heroes. There will also be the chance to win fantastic prizes from the raffle on the night.

Please help the Mayo Branch of the IMNDA and join the fight against MND by signing up for the training and purchasing tickets available now from our online shop at www.imnda.ie. Tickets are only €20 per adult and €15 for children under 15 years.  For enquiries and more information on how to participate in this thrilling event, please contact Regina on 1800 403 403. Alternatively, you can contact local woman, Marian Irwin on 0872605671.

Motor Neurone Disease (MND) is a progressive neurological condition that attacks the upper and lower motor neurones. In Ireland, one person dies every five days from this devastating disease. It is a condition that leaves people unable to do the everyday things that the rest of us take for granted. Walking, talking and swallowing may become virtually impossible. MND strikes people across all ages and there is currently no known cure.

IMNDA provides support, counselling, advice and equipment for those affected by this progressive neurological condition. Since its foundation 24 years ago, IMNDA has provided assistance to over 3,000 members, and has worked to promote a programme of integrated multidisciplinary care for the condition.