Sales of Offaly hurling heroes book aid local cancer support group

DOCHAS - Offaly Cancer Support Group - were delighted to welcome Billy, Joe and Johnny Dooley to Teach Dochas on Saturday last to present funds raised through the sale of their book – “Dooley: A Family Memoir”.

A total of €6,000 was raised through the sale of the books. The book was launched to great fanfare last November in The Bridge House Hotel and quickly became much sought after from GAA fans around the country.

Indeed, the intrigue of their story and the brilliant reviews was such that sales were strong across the country and not just confined to a must have by local Offaly people. 

The  book is the story of three brothers, Joe, Billy and Johnny Dooley, and how they came to play on the Offaly hurling team together in the 90s, and lead Offaly to All-Ireland glory. 

It is also the story of nine brothers and sisters in rural Ireland who inspired one another and the story of a father and mother, who loved and served their family.

Speaking at the event on Saturday Joe commented that it meant a lot to the Dooley Family to donate the funds to Dochas as they all know of the work done at Dochas. Joe’s wife, Marie, dedicated many years of invaluable service to Dochas and knows the vital service they provide to the community.

John Conroy, Service Manager, thanked all present for considering Dochas for this donation. John noted the huge demand on services at present and the pressures on finances to deliver these services due to the cost-of-living crisis. John outlined some of the services that are now being delivered to people and noted that it was thanks to fundraisers such as these that the service can continue to grow as Dochas is not in receipt of any core government funding.

Anne Scally, Vice Chairperson of Dochas Offaly Cancer Support Group, also thanked the Dooley brothers on behalf of the Board of Directors. Anne noted that the sum of money raised was incredible and will go towards continuing to provide vital services to people with a cancer diagnosis and their families and friends.

The book continues to be available for sale wherever you may get your books online and in all good retailers.”