Kildare referees to donate match fees to colleague Fergus Smith after Motor Neuron Disease diagnosis

Kildare GAA referees are donating their  match fees from the next round of the Hurling Championship (August 30 to September 1) to Fergus Smith, ex Kilcock referee, who was diagnosed with Motor Neuron Disease last month.

The family and friends, together with the wider GAA and local communities are fundraising for a colleague and friend, Fergus Smith.

Fergus was diagnosed with Motor Neuron Disease (MND) in August 2023 and requires our help to raise funds to battle this diagnosis.

Fergus is a 54-year-old man from Batterstown, Co. Meath, but has been living in Kilcock, Co. Kildare for over 20 years with his wife Marie and his two sons, Evan and Cormac. A former Meath hurler, Fergus has been more recently been known for his role as referee in Meath, Leinster and on a national level in Croke Park.

Fergus' battle against Motor Neuron Disease (MND). MND is a condition that affects the brain and the nerves. It results in the progressive loss of motor neurons that control voluntary muscles and gets worse over time.

It can significantly shorten life expectancy and can dramatically impact someone’s life. It can affect adults of all ages. Typically, it mainly affects people in their 60s and 70s, but adults of all ages can be diagnosed.

It’s caused by cells in the brain and nerves called motor neurones. These cells gradually stop working over time. It is not known why this happens.

At the moment, there is no cure for MND. There are, however, treatments to try and reduce the impact it has on a person’s daily life.

Fundraising appeal

Since Fergus' diagnosis, he has maintained a positive outlook, with the support of his family and friends. However, funds are required to aid Fergus' battle. Please consider contributing to his campaign and if you wish to reach out to one of the fundraising team, our details are available below.

Donate to this cause by clicking HERE