Help Kieran get the treatment he needs

In August 2021 Kieran was refereeing a GAA match when he started feeling a pain in his side. He later sought medical attention as the pain was not going away. Initial diagnosis pointed at possible gallstones, however the actuality was much worse. The pain was being caused by a blood clot in his liver due to cancer. After undergoing multiple scans and procedures and enduring several long agonising weeks awaiting results, Kieran was finally diagnosed with a rare form of cancer called cholangio carcinoma. Cancer of the bile duct, in an advanced stage. This type of cancer is very rare and affects approximately 140 people in Ireland annually and usually in people over the age of 65.

Kieran commenced chemotherapy shortly after diagnosis in September this year.

However Kieran became unwell in November and was admitted to hospital for a week where it was discovered that the chemotherapy had not worked. Treatment options in Ireland are limited and therefore we have reached out to other specialists both here in Ireland, UK and America.

Kieran is married to Marcella (nee Murtagh, Kiltimagh), and they have a 2 and a half year old son Caolán. They have recently moved into their new house which they have built together in Crossmolina. Kieran is very active in the local community in Crossmolina, Co Mayo. He is Gaelic Football and Rugby referee. At his home club Crossmolina Deel Rovers Kieran played underage football and Soccer with Kilmurry UTD. As a player Kieran excelled at Rugby. His playing career brought him far and wide due to travel and work. His home club and where he started was at Ballina RFC. He has also played with Coolmine RFC in Dublin and Creggs RFC. While living in the US Kieran played with the Boston Irish Wolfhounds and 2nd City Troop RFC In Philadelphia. Kieran is an avid Mayo GAA fan a Connacht and Ireland Rugby fan. He also supports Celtic FC and Man UTD.

Kieran is a Prison Officer by profession with 13 Years service. He is currently employed in Castlerea Prison. Previously Kieran worked as a professional Chef.

Our family wants to ensure that Kieran has access to the best of care. We are currently looking into treatment options abroad. Any little bit will help Kieran and his family going through this difficult time and help with the expenses they will encounter while seeking treatment abroad.

We need your help in raising the funds to access treatment abroad.anything you can donate will be gratefully appreciated and we would be really thankful if you could share this page to help us reach our target.

Go raibh míle maith agaibh go léir.

Please follow updates as we will be holding events and fundraisers for Kieran.