Charities:

Although the initial objective was to provide Anthony and Olive with a financial cushion to ease the transition from professional rugby into a non-playing career, Anthony indicated strongly that some of the monies raised should be directed to charity. Accordingly, he has nominated the IRFU Charitable Trust and the Mid-Western Oncology Unit as co-beneficiaries of the testimonial.

Irish Rugby Football Union Charitable Trust

It is a sad fact of everyday life that people suffer personal injuries through accidents in their homes, workplace, on our streets and roads and also in the pursuit of leisure activities and sports. In this regard Rugby Football is no different from any other contact sport and unfortunately player injuries occur and from time to time such injuries can be of a serious nature, resulting in permanent disability in some cases.

The Irish Rugby Football Union Charitable Trust was formed in 1978 to assist seriously injured rugby players in their everyday lives, and help to restore their confidence and independence.

The Trust Fund has grown over the years through direct grants from the Irish Rugby Football Union, and through many and varied fund-raising campaigns. Many events have taken place including a Gala Dinner which takes place in Belfast each year, Golf Outings, Car Draws and Christmas Card Sales. Also the Charitable Trust have a "Friends" Scheme whereby anyone can become a member in return for a once off subscription of Stg. £100 (Û150) and the Friend will receive a Friends' Gents Tie, Gents Scarf, Gents Bowtie or a Ladies Head Scarf.

Donations have also been made over the years by the Charitable Trust to Musgrave Park Hospital, the Central Remedial Clinic, the National Rehabilitation Hospital in Dun Laoghaire and the Spinal Injuries Action Association. In the case of our seriously injured players payments have been made by the Charitable Trust to assist with the costs of locomotory expenses, house alterations or extensions, wheelchairs, beds or lifting equipment, cars and vans.

HSE Mid-Western Radiation Oncology Centre, Limerick

To complement the ongoing oncology developments at the Mid-Western Regional Hospital, Limerick and the continued hardship imposed on patients diagnosed with cancer in the Mid-West region in accessing radiotherapy services for cancer treatment and traveling long distance for treatment away from family and friends was the motivating factor behind the Mid-Western Hospitals Development Trust a registered charity (CHY 7077) developing the Û8.5 million Mid-Western Radiation Oncology Centre on the grounds of the Mid-Western Regional Hospital, Limerick.

Site works for the new centre commenced in September 2004 and the Mid-Western Radiation Oncology Centre went clinical to treat both public and private patients in October 2005. Treatments are being delivered by on site Mater Private multi-disciplinary team of specialists in radiation oncology medicine.

Through the generosity of the JP McManus Charitable Foundation, local charitable events and private donations, a first class radiotherapy treatment service in now available locally to the people of the Mid-West area.

The Mid-Western Hospitals Development Trust is pleased with all oncology projects undertaken and will continue to expand and further enhance services at the Mid-Western Regional Hospital, Limerick for the benefit of the people of the region and beyond.