Galway Greyhound Stadium hosted a remarkable fundraising event last November, in support of 13-year-old Galway city boy, who suffered a lifechanging brain bleed earlier this year.

The fundraiser, organised in collaboration with Scoil San Proinsias and the Galway Greyhound Owners & Breeders Association (GWOBA), raised an impressive €50,000 to assist Cillian O’Brien and his family.

Cillian suffered a brain bleed while waiting to participate in his school’s chess tournament in February, leaving him with an acquired brain injury that has affected his vision, communication, and mobility.

Caused by a rare condition called an Arteriovenous Malformation – a dangerous tangle of blood vessels in the brain – he was rushed to Temple Street Children’s Hospital for emergency surgery and spent weeks in intensive care.

Hospitalised ever since, Cillian has already undergone several procedures and continues to receive treatment.

Further surgeries and procedures may be needed in the coming months, including the possibility of specialist radiosurgery in Sheffield, as the AVM is too risky to remove with traditional surgery.

In the meantime, Cillian began his rehabilitation at the National Rehabilitation Hospital in Dún Laoghaire. On weekends, he returns to Temple Street for continued care, while his parents, Owen and Karen, have been unable to return to work to focus on his care.

Cillian’s return home will require significant modifications to the family’s Galway three-bed home to accommodate his needs. They need an extension to create accessible living space, future-proofed for the additional supports Cillian will need as he grows.

The fundraising event at Galway Greyhound Stadium brought together the local community, school staff, and greyhound racing supporters.

Through sponsorship, ticket sales, and a raffle, €50,000 was raised to directly support Cillian’s ongoing treatment, rehabilitation, and home adaptations. All funds raised through race sponsorship by local businesses were donated in full to Cillian.

Cillian’s family – parents, Owen and Karen and sisters Zoe and Aisling – expressed their gratitude.

“From the bottom of our hearts, thank you all for supporting us and for being part of Cillian’s story. Your generosity has made a real difference, from volunteering and organising school events to sponsoring races and contributing in countless ways,” they said.

All donations to Cillian will go directly towards specialist treatments and therapies, mobility and communication equipment, transport and accommodation for hospital appointments, long-term care and rehabilitation support, and making his home safe and accessible.

The organisers thank the local and wider West of Ireland community for their incredible support and generosity in making this fundraiser a resounding success.

Pictured: Hughie Keleghan, Chairman of the Galway Greyhound Owners & Breeders Association, pictured with teaching staff at Scoil San Phroinsias, Nicola Mooney, Aisling Larkin, Helen Moran, Deirdre Foy, Aaron Broderick and David Hannify with the cheque for €50,000 raised for Cillian O’Brien at a fundraiser in Galway Greyhound Stadium last November.