Meath Legends at Simonstown GAA Club for Bill Byrne

Meath's GAA legends from the 80s and 90s are coming together on Saturday night for a special fundraiser for dad-of-six who has been unable to work for the past four years because of his chronic Lyme disease.

Bill Byrne has been unable to work for the past four years because of his symptoms and now a group of his friends, led by Meath GAA legend, David Beggy have organised a major fundraiser to help the family.

The event takes place in Simonstown GAA centre on Saturday with Rory O'Connor of Rory's Story fame, acting as MC.

There will be conversations with Meath footballers from different decades including the great teams of the 80s and 90s, as well as music with special guests and exciting raffles and auctions. Among the auction items are a signed jersey by the lendary Conor Nash and Irish rugby and Liverpool match tickets. There will be special guests, music and other entertainment.

Meanwhile Kilberry natives, Colm and Breen Lynch are organising fundraisers in their London pubs, the Whitehart and Hop Pole.

Tickets for Saturday night's event are €20 and will be available on the night.

A GoFundMe page has been set up to facilitate donations from people who cannot attend the Simonstown GFC event and can be found by searching Help Bill Byrne.

In 2021 Bill was diagnosed with Lyme Disease. This is a debilitating chronic disease and the symptoms include chronic fatigue, and it explained why Bill had been unwell on an ongoing basis for a number of years prior to the confirmed diagnosis.

Bill is married with six children, three of whom are still in school, and he has not been able to work for the last four years. This has obviously put significant financial strain on Bill and his family.

"We just want to help him and his family out. Help him get back on his feet. It has been a rough few years," says David Beggy.

Bill suffers from repeated infections and he has debilitating muscle spasms which means he often uses a walking stick to get about, but constant fatigue is the worst issue for him.

Earlier this year, he underwent gruelling treatment in Germany, which he hopes will prove some benefit.