Hero award for Leitrim man (92) who was given five years to live 48 years ago after MND diagnosis
When he was diagnosed in 1977, he was given a life expectancy of just two to five years.
Remarkably and in spite of his diagnosis, Andy has worked tirelessly to put the MND community first.
He has written several books and has always put himself forward to raise awareness of MND and the work of Irish Motor Neuron Disease Association.
Andy received his MND Hero Award from Taoiseach Michéal Martin at the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association's Global MND Awareness Day event.
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 the muscles, which leads to weakness and wasting.
MND can affect how patients 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.
The cause of MND is not known.
MND strikes people of all ages and currently there is no cure, however symptoms can be managed to help the person achieve the best possible quality of life.
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Andy was born on February 10, 1933 at Corroneary, Aughavas, Co. Leitrim.
His early years were spent helping on the family farm and in 1954, he immigrated to London.
He got married in 1961 and the couple returned to Ireland. He founded a machinery contracting business and was the father of six children.
However, in 1976, Andy remarked that his little finger on his right arm was not moving.
'The circulation and sensation was perfect so I thought there was no need to worry; there were nine more left.
'After some time, another finger became affected and the bicep muscle on my right arm started to sag.
'So I went to my GP, who referred me to St Vincent's Hospital, Dublin at which point I was diagnosed in 1977,' said Andy.
Andy said the first years with the disease were the worst and he found himself trying to hide his disability as the symptoms developed.
He said the symptoms quickly began affecting his ability to complete every day tasks.
'My clumsiness. My embarrassment. Everything is falling to the ground.
'My piece of meat is going for my ear instead of my mouth.
'My coordination is all askew.
'It was torture, a lot worse than pain.
'My wife and children came to my rescue many times, and nobody outside the family knew what I was going through,' said Andy.
At that time, there was no association in Ireland for MND while there was also no treatment or cure.
However, since his diagnosis, he has seen major changes to how the disease is cared for.
'There was no treatment or cure.
'You were told life expectancy was two to five years.
'It was tough.
'Today, there is no medical treatment for MND but we have a wonderful organisation, The Irish Motor Neuron Disease Association, that provides us with care, technology, equipment or anything that may help us ease the burden of living with this terminal illness.
'Things have improved greatly in the last number of years with our Association becoming more involved and highlighting awareness of this terrible disease.
'People like Charlie Bird, Fr Tony Cook, the ice bucket water campaign and many more high-profile people getting involved in fundraising and awareness,' said Andy.
Andy has been heavily involved in campaigning and raising awareness of the disease.
He climbed Croagh Patrick Mountain on two occasions without a stick or balancing equipment in 1997 and 1998.
He also wrote two books with voice recognition software - 'They Laughed at This Man's Funeral' which is described as his father's biology and later 'Against the Odds - Living with Motor Neuron Disease.'
Andy said he does not campaign for credit, thanks, or personal recognition but rather to raise awareness in the hope of getting help for everyone who is diagnosed with the disease.
However, Andy, who is 92, said he knows a breakthrough will not come in time to save him.
'We are very fortunate to have a person of the calibre of Dr Orla Hardyman and her team, working tirelessly to find something that might arrest this galloping disease.
'She is adamant that one day there will be a breakthrough.
'I know that it will not come in time to save me, but that does not worry me.
'If a cure or something is discovered, then I will smile from the heavens above knowing that I have contributed something to this breakthrough and that the people who are then diagnosed will benefit.
'It is very important that we continue to raise awareness and funds to help our colleagues living with this death sentence,' said Andy.
Humbly, Andy said he felt very emotional receiving the Hero Award from the chairman of IMNDA, Howard Hughes.
'He spoke all too well about me and my long fight of almost 50 years living with this disease.
'I am grateful for the recognition given to me by the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association and I am also grateful to our Taoiseach, Michael Martin, for presenting the award,' said Andy.
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Irish Independent
2 days ago
- Irish Independent
Hero award for Leitrim man (92) who was given five years to live 48 years ago after MND diagnosis
Andy McGovern is one of the longest living survivors of Motor Neurone Disease (MND) as he has been living with MND for almost 50 years. When he was diagnosed in 1977, he was given a life expectancy of just two to five years. Remarkably and in spite of his diagnosis, Andy has worked tirelessly to put the MND community first. He has written several books and has always put himself forward to raise awareness of MND and the work of Irish Motor Neuron Disease Association. Andy received his MND Hero Award from Taoiseach Michéal Martin at the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association's Global MND Awareness Day event. 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 the muscles, which leads to weakness and wasting. MND can affect how patients 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. The cause of MND is not known. MND strikes people of all ages and currently there is no cure, however symptoms can be managed to help the person achieve the best possible quality of life. ADVERTISEMENT Andy was born on February 10, 1933 at Corroneary, Aughavas, Co. Leitrim. His early years were spent helping on the family farm and in 1954, he immigrated to London. He got married in 1961 and the couple returned to Ireland. He founded a machinery contracting business and was the father of six children. However, in 1976, Andy remarked that his little finger on his right arm was not moving. 'The circulation and sensation was perfect so I thought there was no need to worry; there were nine more left. 'After some time, another finger became affected and the bicep muscle on my right arm started to sag. 'So I went to my GP, who referred me to St Vincent's Hospital, Dublin at which point I was diagnosed in 1977,' said Andy. Andy said the first years with the disease were the worst and he found himself trying to hide his disability as the symptoms developed. He said the symptoms quickly began affecting his ability to complete every day tasks. 'My clumsiness. My embarrassment. Everything is falling to the ground. 'My piece of meat is going for my ear instead of my mouth. 'My coordination is all askew. 'It was torture, a lot worse than pain. 'My wife and children came to my rescue many times, and nobody outside the family knew what I was going through,' said Andy. At that time, there was no association in Ireland for MND while there was also no treatment or cure. However, since his diagnosis, he has seen major changes to how the disease is cared for. 'There was no treatment or cure. 'You were told life expectancy was two to five years. 'It was tough. 'Today, there is no medical treatment for MND but we have a wonderful organisation, The Irish Motor Neuron Disease Association, that provides us with care, technology, equipment or anything that may help us ease the burden of living with this terminal illness. 'Things have improved greatly in the last number of years with our Association becoming more involved and highlighting awareness of this terrible disease. 'People like Charlie Bird, Fr Tony Cook, the ice bucket water campaign and many more high-profile people getting involved in fundraising and awareness,' said Andy. Andy has been heavily involved in campaigning and raising awareness of the disease. He climbed Croagh Patrick Mountain on two occasions without a stick or balancing equipment in 1997 and 1998. He also wrote two books with voice recognition software - 'They Laughed at This Man's Funeral' which is described as his father's biology and later 'Against the Odds - Living with Motor Neuron Disease.' Andy said he does not campaign for credit, thanks, or personal recognition but rather to raise awareness in the hope of getting help for everyone who is diagnosed with the disease. However, Andy, who is 92, said he knows a breakthrough will not come in time to save him. 'We are very fortunate to have a person of the calibre of Dr Orla Hardyman and her team, working tirelessly to find something that might arrest this galloping disease. 'She is adamant that one day there will be a breakthrough. 'I know that it will not come in time to save me, but that does not worry me. 'If a cure or something is discovered, then I will smile from the heavens above knowing that I have contributed something to this breakthrough and that the people who are then diagnosed will benefit. 'It is very important that we continue to raise awareness and funds to help our colleagues living with this death sentence,' said Andy. Humbly, Andy said he felt very emotional receiving the Hero Award from the chairman of IMNDA, Howard Hughes. 'He spoke all too well about me and my long fight of almost 50 years living with this disease. 'I am grateful for the recognition given to me by the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association and I am also grateful to our Taoiseach, Michael Martin, for presenting the award,' said Andy.
Irish Daily Mirror
07-07-2025
- Irish Daily Mirror
The Cork runner whose drug addiction saw him taking cocaine before races
A Cork athlete who once battled a severe drug addiction — so intense he was using cocaine even before running marathons — has shared how he overcame his darkest moments through determination, rehab, and the unwavering support of his family. Andy Goulding spent a decade in denial about his cocaine dependency, as the substance gradually took over his life. At his lowest, he found himself using during training and even the night before major races just to keep going. It wasn't until he hit rock bottom — experiencing psychosis, financial ruin, and a suicide attempt — that he realised he needed to make a drastic change. Now 38, Andy grew up in Ballyvolane on Cork's northside, surrounded by a close-knit family. A lifelong sports enthusiast, he played hurling with Glen Rovers in his youth before transitioning to running, eventually competing in marathons as an adult. But when he hit his teens, Andy said he "lost sight of who I was" as he struggled with identity and feeling like he had no purpose in life. As a teenager, he said he "got in with the wrong crowd" and tried drugs and alcohol for the first time. When he tried cocaine for the first time in his early 20s, he said it felt like it was "a match", and he began using regularly. In a vulnerable sharing of his addiction story, Andy told T he Comeback with Brenda podcast how he denied his problem for years, despite it wrecking his health and putting pressure on his work and relationships. "I was a functioning addict, and I couldn't see it," he said. Looking back on a decade of drug addiction and mental health struggles, he said: "I was using for 10 years... really heavy for about five or six years, and three years of absolute mental torture." "I don't know how I'm still alive," the marathon runner said, "I should have had multiple heart attacks.... I've run marathons the day after using a lot." On one occasion, Andy said he bought drugs in preparation for post-race celebrations but ended up taking it all in one night. He didn't sleep, and went out the next morning to run the full marathon. Another time, while out running, Andy took drugs mid-training session. He said: "I used to run to people's houses to get drugs, running was my way to get out of the house during Covid. I'd go for my run, call to this fella's house, and probably use on the way back." But in the years he was using, Andy tried to keep up normal appearances, going to work and putting on a brave face in front of his family and friends. "I turned up to work one morning and I think I was actually in psychosis," he told podcast host Brenda Dennehy, "And I drove to work, and I had no idea what was going on. I ended up in hospital... it was one of the lowest points in my life. My father was sitting next to me, crying. But still, I didn't think I had a problem." "It still didn't snap me out of it," he admitted. Despite his addiction landing him in hospital, Andy continued with his habit and tried to keep living his life as normally as he could. Andy ran his first marathon in 2018. Just weeks later, he fell ill with pneumonia and ended up spending another 10 days in hospital. While he assumed he was just "run down" from intense training and completing the run, he now knows that using drugs after a marathon likely contributed to the illness. As soon as he was discharged, cocaine was the first thing on his mind. "I remember thinking 'I'm out of hospital now, I'm going to celebrate by getting a bag,'" he said, "but then it went from celebrating to, if I was having a bad day, I'd get one. No matter what emotion I had, I was using... it got me through the day." At his worst, Andy was using nearly every day of the week. He wasn't eating, was paranoid, and staying awake for days at a time. "Realistically, I was probably using four to five days a week," he said, "And then I'd hit a low and I'd sleep for so long... I'd just crash, and then I'd just do it all over again." It wasn't just his health that was suffering, Andy began struggling financially to upkeep the expensive habit. He explained: "I maxed out credit cards, I used all my savings... I was bouncing from one person to another. I had a load of friends who used and I'd get it off him one week, then I'd owe him, and then I'd get it off (someone else) the next week. I'd spread it around." He took out loans and borrowed money from friends and family. His father even ended up "bailing" him out of trouble and giving him money when he got into a financial hole and couldn't pay dealers back. "And all this time, I still believed I was in control," he said. Also affected was Andy's relationship with his then-girlfriend Sarah. The couple were together for two years through Andy's crippling addiction, and through Covid which he said "ruined" him due to isolation. While Sarah stuck by Andy and the pair are now happily married, his drug problem put a huge strain on the relationship. He opened up on how he hid the extent of his problem from Sarah and how, when she would ask him what was wrong, he would get "so defensive" and lie to her. He said: "She tried so much to help me, but I wasn't willing. I didn't think I needed help." "It was pure madness", he said, and shared how he attended Narcotics Anonymous a handful of times, but that it was only to "keep people happy." It wasn't until he fell into a depression so low that he tried to take his own life that Andy realised he really did need professional help. "My lowest moment was the last day I used," he said, and shared how in July 2020, he hit rock bottom. Andy woke up early, and before going to work, he was already using. He said that while driving to work, all he could think about was "I can't do this anymore."' "Every day was a battle," he said, and he felt he couldn't see a way out. In a dazed state, Andy drove away from Cork until he ended up in Limerick and attempted to take his own life. He was rescued by heroic fishermen before being rushed to hospital. At home in Cork, Sarah had reported him missing. At the hospital, Andy contacted his distraught family. Andy said he will never forget his father asking him, "How can we help you if you're dead?" "It's one of the only things I remember anyone saying to me over those couple of days," he said. Over the next few months, Andy had to put all his effort into treatment and recovery. He spent a few days at Saint Michael's Mental Health Unit at the Mercy University Hospital, which he said was "such an eye opener. After nearly a week of inpatient care, Andy came to terms and admitted to himself that "something isn't right here," and he needed help. With the help of his family, he was able to get on the waiting list for a treatment centre. He spent three difficult, emotional weeks at home with Sarah while he waited to get into rehabilitation at Cuan Mhuire in Athy. He spent 20 tough weeks at the residential rehab treatment, which Andy said truly saved his life. He couldn't have any visitors as it was during the pandemic, and he even spent Christmas in rehab as he focused all his time on beating his addiction. Over months, Andy put huge effort into self-healing and said he was determined to recover for his family and those who rallied around him. He said, "At this stage, I knew I had a problem." Andy, who hosts the Runner's Diary podcast, continued gymming, running, and staying active while in recovery, which he said was important for staying sane during treatment and lockdown. He said he went into treatment with the intention of "I need to do this, if I don't get this right, it's the end of me." When Andy came home to Cork in January 2021, he felt he had discovered a "higher power" and knew he wanted to share his story to help others. He said, "My biggest message is, for people whose family members are in addiction, they have to be willing to do it. You can't force someone in there because they might go in, but they have to be willing to do it." "You have to hit rock bottom for you to realise, this isn't normal, I'm in trouble, I need help." On July 7, Andy marks five years clean. Since coming out of treatment, he has gone on to win the Kinvara marathon twice, once in 2021 and 2022, and was a pacer for the Cork marathon. Andy says he has forgiven himself for the years of struggle - and will be forever grateful to his family who helped him through it all. If you have been affected by the issues in this story, please contact: HSE Drugs & Alcohol Helpline - Call 1800 45 94 59
Irish Independent
24-06-2025
- Irish Independent
Sligo father of three who has Motor Neurone Disease praised for his spirit and courage as fundraising walk takes place
The event is called a Stroll 4 Sean and begins at is part of fundraising campaign to support Sean Brown and his family as they live with the difficulties of his MND Diagnosis last year. It is a free, one hour event and all are welcome to take part in the short stroll around the walking track on the day. Sean moved to Sligo in the early Noughties from his home in Cloonfad and is well bedded into the Sligo community since, and is especially well known in local GAA and business circles. Even with his diagnosis, Sean still is involved in the management of two teams at St John's GAA club this season. Brendan Tierney, one of the organising committee, told The Sligo Champion: 'I knew Sean from college in the ATU in Sligo back in the early Noughties, and we have been really good friends for years and we have played in St John's football teams together and he has managed me in St John's for years as well. 'Sean is back as joint manager of the Junior team and he is a selector on our senior team. 'So he is fully out there, he is at nearly all the training sessions, at the matches and picking the teams. Sean has great spirit and courage and is a great example to all of us. 'He has been working in HR in the HSE for the past eight to ten years. Sean has unbelievable people skills. 'He is a real driving force in getting lads to tog out and is great craic, a great dad and has a good business head on him as well and he was also a DJ in town is well. It was on 21st March 2024, that Sean was diagnosed with Motor Neuron Disease (MND) specifically ALS. This has been lifechanging for Sean, his wife Rienna their three beautiful children, Cooper, Brody and Kaia and all of their friends and family. ADVERTISEMENT The idonate page has only been up and running for a few weeks but it has raised around €43,000 to date. Brendan added that Sean's medical needs will be extensive in the coming months and years and the funds raised will go directly towards his medical care, treatment, specialised equipment, and any additional support he will need. ' MND is a progressive and debilitating illness, and as the family navigates this difficult time, we want to ease the financial burden on his family as much as possible so they can focus on Sean's health and spending precious time together, focussing on what matters most. 'Your support means the world to Sean, Rienna and their little family. Whether you're able to donate, come out for the & Stroll 4 Sean event, or share this campaign with others, your kindness and generosity will make a real impact on his journey. 'Together, we can help make a difference in Sean's life as he faces this challenging time. 'Thank you for being there for Sean and his family during this challenging time. 'Your generosity and compassion will help Sean face the road ahead with strength, knowing that he's surrounded by love'. Brendan added that this is the first of a few events in honour of Sean. People can donate at
