GoFundMe appeal launched for Offaly teenager who received life-altering injuries in road collision

A GoFundMe appeal has been launched for the family of a young Clara teenager who was critically injured in a road collision on the town's Tullamore road on Wednesday evening last.

Miya Connolly Loonam is currently receiving care in Crumlin Children’s Hospital, where she is being treated for life-altering injuries.

She has a long and challenging recovery journey ahead.

Miya has been part of Clara Ladies LGFA since she was a young child, playing football alongside her sisters and growing up through the club.

Her family have always been deeply involved in the club and community, from coaching and mentoring to supporting teams at all levels.

Miya’s mother, Amanda, is an active member of the Mothers & Others team, and the Connolly Loonam family have given so much of their time, energy and kindness to others over the years.

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With the full permission and support of Miya’s family, Clara Ladies LGFA has set up this GoFundMe page to help support them financially as Miya focuses on her recovery.

Any donation, no matter how small, will go directly towards easing the burden of costs that arise during this difficult time.

100% of the funds raised will be transferred to Miya’s family to assist with expenses related to her care, recovery and ongoing needs.

Miya and her family have always shown incredible generosity and commitment to our club and to the town.

"Now, as a community, we would like to support them in any way we can and let them know they are not facing this journey alone," Clara LGFA said in a statement.

To donate to the appeal log onto https://www.gofundme.com/f/supporting-miya-connolly-loonam-on-her-road-to-recovery?fbclid=IwdGRjcAPzWPZjbGNrA_NY8mV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkDDM1MDY4NTUzMTcyOAABHkAvtOWcdHvy7AwgvX5kBVuN_6ZTSS0y2VpafuVBkUuZ0T7uC_d41Kggr4eW_aem_00znqiupHe0poQFR3ZbS3g

At the accident scene on Wednesday last a male in his 40s was arrested in connection with the incident and was detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984, at a Garda station in County Offaly.

The scene was preserved for examination by Garda Forensic Collision Investigators and local traffic diversions are in place.

Gardaí are appealing for witnesses to come forward. Any road users or pedestrians who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) and were in the area of Tullamore Road, Frederick Street and Bridge Street, Clara, at the time of the collision are asked to make this footage available to investigating Gardaí.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Tullamore Garda Station on (057) 9327600, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.

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