Chances are that many here and abroad are familiar with Irish turfgrass scientist Dr. John Dempsey and his work to share independent agronomic research with golf course superintendents and sports field managers around the world. A former superintendent and a nice guy, Dempsey is a frequent TurfNet University webinar presenter who always is ready to share his knowledge with turf managers everywhere.
The chances are less likely those same turf managers are familiar with Dempsey’s daughter and the struggles she is facing.
Lucy Fennelly, 50, suffers from a disorder known as permanent neurological deficit from a spinal injury, an affliction that results from damage to the spinal cord and causes a lasting loss of sensory, motor or autonomic function, according to the National Institutes of Health. Recently, Fennelly underwent her second spinal discectomy surgery, a procedure to remove all or part of a damaged or herniated spinal disc pressing against a spinal nerve or the spinal cord, according to the Cleveland Clinic. She is holding a unique raffle to help fund her care.
Once a successful hairdresser, Fennelly and her husband, James, were living in Kildare when she had an on-the-job accident that changed her life forever.
Twelve years ago, while working in her former trade, Fennelly was retrieving supplies in a storage area under a stairway. When she went to stand up, Fennelly hit a protruding steel bar with the back of her head. According to the woman’s father, the impact damaged the vertebrae in her neck, severely restricting movement in her hands and ending her hairdressing career.
After the accident, the Fennellys moved to Carrigaholt, small fishing village on the southwest coast. The property they bought was in severe disrepair, but they renovated the three properties and established a successful Airbnb business.
To help meet with her future health care needs, Fennelly is holding a fundraiser/raffle. The “prize” is not a car, a vacation or even a golf getaway. Fennelly is raffling off her two homes and an Airbnb in County Clare on Ireland’s infamous Wild Atlantic Way, a 1,500-mile-long byway billed as the world’s longest defined coastal road.
It’s just the natural order of things for any parent to be frustrated watching their child endure such hardship and knowing there is nothing you can do to influence it. Fennelly’s parents, John and Mary Dempsey, are no different.
“As her parents, we were extremely worried obviously, first about the physical and potential psychological impact of her injury, and then about the life-threatening operations she had to undergo,” Dempsey said. “But she remained remarkably positive throughout, always focusing on the positives in every situation.””
Although the accident robbed Fennelly of her profession, it provided an opportunity for her to take her life in a new direction. She and her husband founded and establish a St. Bernard sanctuary for rescuing neglected and abused dogs and finding them forever homes.
They also founded a St Bernard dog sanctuary, rescuing and rehoming neglected and abused dogs. Although the accident took away Lucy’s ability to continue hairdressing, she used it as a turning point to create a completely new lifestyle and purpose.
Now, Fennelly must turn her focus to her health, and she hopes selling raffle tickets to her properties will provide the resources necessary to meet those needs. The home not only is located on a scenic coastal byway; it also is near many world-class golf courses such as Lahinch and Doonbeg. Ballybunion and other top courses also are within driving distance.
The terrace homes were built in 1894. The Fennellys bought and renovated the properties seven years ago. One house is 1,550 square feet, the other is 670. The small, attached Airbnb is also included.
Raffle tickets that include a chance at all three properties are 4.50 euros each. The winner will be announced on New Year’s Eve. The winner of the raffle also will receive 20,000 euros. A total of 5 percent of the proceeds will be donated to Spinal Injuries Ireland, which provides support to those with spinal cord injuries, and St. Bernard Sanctuary, a rescue facility for dogs.
