A charity football match will take place at Oriel Park between Dundalk FC and Newry City FC on Sunday 23 October at 2pm, the proceeds of which will contribute to the future medical needs of 15-year-old Ryan Cinnamond.
This inspiring young man has represented Carlingford Celtic Youths at schoolboy level from U12s through to U15s, winning a runner-up medal at U14 Division One level of the Dundalk Schoolboys League.
On 11 November 2010, Ryan collapsed at his home in Newry, Co. Down, having suffered a dissecting aortic aneurysm. Following initial examination in Daisy Hill Hospital, Newry, Ryan was subsequently rushed by ambulance to Belfast City Hospital where he underwent ten hours of vascular surgery, during which he had only a ten percent chance of survival.
Devastatingly, as a result of this aneurysm, this talented young footballer had to subsequently have both of his legs surgically amputated through the knees.
Ryan Cinnamond pictured with his mother Peggy at the media launch for the match
As a result of his medical condition, Ryan also had to undergo dialysis which resulted in the failure of one of his kidneys and he subsequently spent three weeks in an intensive care unit.
Due to medical complications, Ryan was forced to return to theatre for further surgery on a number of occasions following which he spent a number of weeks in a vascular ward. Due to the medical complications experienced by Ryan, the mobility of his left arm was greatly reduced.
Ryan was finally allowed home on 20 December 2010 in time for Christmas with his family, only to be readmitted on Christmas night to Belfast City Hospital where he was diagnosed with a blood clot on his right lung.
Despite numerous major life-threatening surgical procedures and dark days spent in hospital beds, Ryan remained philosophical and determined to regain his independence.
Shamrock Rovers midfielder Conor McCormack at the launch with Peter Cherrie, Ryan Cinnamond, Paul Johnston and Maeve McQuillan
With exceptional maturity and courage, Ryan began rehabilitation in Musgrave Park Hospital on 17 January 2011 and on 1 February Ryan walked for the first time on prosthetic legs. Since then, Ryan has and continues to work arduously to increase his mobility and strength.
Amazingly, Ryan sat his GCSE Examination in May 2011 and will be returning to Saint Paul’s Highschool, Bessbrook, Co. Armagh, as a sixth year pupil to study for his A Level Examinations.
The Ryan Cinnamond Trust Fund was established with the aim of raising funds to contribute in part to the future medical needs of the 15-year-old.
Tickets for the match are priced at £5 / €5 and can be purchased through the Oriel Park office and Newry City FC, Greenbank Industrial Estate, Newry, Customer Services at The Quays Shopping Centre, Newry, The Buttercrane Shopping Centre, Newry, The Marshes Shopping Centre, Dundalk and The Carlingford Arms, Carlingford.
Match tickets can also be used to enter a €1,000 cash prize draw taking place at half-time on 23 October. For further information, please contact Vincent McComish, Secretary Carlingford Celtic Youths FC on 086-8111530 or by e-mailing afaughey@eircom.net
Pictures thanks to Mick Slevin.
