Leitrim man (92) living with Motor Neurone disease receives award from Taoiseach

Leitrim man Andy McGovern has been presented with an MND Hero Award from The Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association.

Cloone native Andy received his award from Taoiseach Michéal Martin at the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association's Global MND Awareness Day event which took place on June 18 to mark June 21 MND Global Day. 

Andy is one of the longest living survivors of Motor Neurone Disease (MND) or ALS as it is referred to in the US.

He is living with MND for almost 50 years now, diagnosed back in 1978, he is now 92 years old. He has been a true inspiration to the MND community since the foundation of the IMNDA in 1985, the association marks 40 years of care this year.

Not only has Andy advocated on behalf of the IMNDA and helped to raise awareness in his region, he has also written two books, the first one back in the late 90s with his left foot, “They Laughed at this Man’s Funeral" and a second one, Against the Odds, Living with Motor Neurone Disease, through voice recognition software.

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“Andy has worked tirelessly to put the MND community first. In fact, Andy puts everybody first and would not call himself a hero, but Andy you are to us here in the IMNDA. If there was ever a radio presenter in the west looking to interview someone about living with MND, Andy was your man, he was always up for it, he would never refuse, he just loves talking and telling stories,” says Derbhla Wynne from the IMNDA

Motor Neurone Disease (MND) is a progressive neurological condition that attacks the motor neurones, or nerves, in the brain and spinal cord. This means messages gradually stop reaching muscles, which leads to weakness and wasting.

MND can affect how you walk, talk, eat, drink, and breathe. However, not all symptoms necessarily happen to everyone, and it is unlikely they will all develop at the same time, or in any specific order.

MND strikes people of all ages and there is currently no cure for MND, symptoms can be managed to help you achieve the best possible quality of life.

ABOVE: Andy pictured at the awards ceremony

The Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association (IMNDA) is the only organisation of its kind in this country. It was set up in May 1985 to provide care and support to people with Motor Neurone Disease, their carers, families, and friends.

There are currently over 470 people living with MND in Ireland.

The Association relies heavily on fundraising activities from our members and supporters. We need to raise over 85% of our overall income. It costs approx. 2.75 million to run the Association each year. (2023 income figure)

For more information or to make a donation, contact us on: 01 670 5942, email info@imnda.ie or visit our web-site: imnda.ie