Kildare priest sky dives for parish fundraiser
Anne Marie Bowe, Ciaran McEvoy, Fr David Vard and Leona Carolan preparing to take to the skies
A NEWBRIDGE priest led 10 adrenaline junkies to jump out of a plane flying at 10,000 feet above the ground to raise funds for new sound systems for three churches in a diocesan parish.
Fr David Vard, originally from Newbridge but now serving in the Stradbally parish in Co Laois, had organised the motley crew comprised of a former Laois Rose of Tralee and a former garda ably assisted by eight other local parishioners.
Not to worry though, after their free-falling escapade they all managed to land safety on terra firma after their parachutes successfully opened. Family members of the crew were on hand as they all landed on the deck.
Their high-flying efforts managed to raise, to date, in excess of €20,000 which will now go towards the new sound systems planned for churches in Stradbally, Vicarstown and Timahoe.
The ‘Reach for the Skies’ fundraising Sky Dive took place in the Irish Parachute Club in Clonbollogue, Offaly on Sunday 6 October. Each of the plane jumpers were strapped in tandem to an expert skydiver from the Parachute Club.
Fr Vard said that he was surprised with the incredible amount raised to date as he had expected about €7,000 but with it surpassing €20,000 was hugely appreciative of the support that has been shown to the fundraiser.
He thanked everyone who had sponsored his teammates, their efforts and who donated to date. He said online donations are still be accepted on the GoFundMe page ‘Stradbally Parish – Reach for the Skies.’
