Trim Bulldogs charity game to aid Caoimhe

Caoimhe Duffy with her brother Finian.

Meath's first and only American Football club will host an all-star fundraiser match for a Navan girl who needs an operation to walk in just over a week's time.

Trim Bulldogs will host the event at home on Saturday 1st October for Caoimhe Duffy, who was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at the age of one.

Five-year-old Caoimhe's family is raising much-needed funds so she can undergo an operation in the US very shortly. Caoimhe was born 11 weeks prematurely and, as a result of complications, she is unable to stand on her own or walk without assistance and needs a wheelchair. However, she is also an exceptionally bright, independent and determined little girl, who loves attending senior infants at school in Navan.

Caoimhe will travel to America for a life-changing operation called selective dorsal rhizotomy, which will result in her having better balance, dramatically reduce the spasticity in her legs and eliminate the need to wear leg-splints on a daily basis.

The operation will allow her to get around with a walking aid but, without the operation, it is likely she will be permanently wheelchair-bound from the age of 10.

Trim Bulldogs had been contacted by Caoimhe's father, Feargal Duffy, to assist the family and raise funds and awareness for their daughter. Upon hearing of Caoimhe's plight, the Bulldogs decided to host the charity event at their home ground, Boyne Community School in Trim on 1st October.

Kick-off is at 2pm, and the game will bring the Bulldogs' season to a close.

Trim Bulldogs Booster Club, the fundraising wing of the club, and Trim Bulldogs cheerleaders, will also have a large presence on the day.