A message from Courcey Rovers coach and former player Brian Downing. Hi all I hope you are well. I wanted to share with you a story of a man from this parish, Adrian Collins who was born and reared in Killnaclona, Barrell's Cross. He played hurling and football with great determination and passion for Courcey Rovers for many years. As you can see from the pictures Adrian was one of the youngest members of the famous Courceys U21 Hurling County winning team of 1997. He was also captain of the five in a row U21 Southeast winning team of 1999. After many years playing for Courceys he emigrated with his wife Claire to Australia where they now live in Brisbane with their triplet boys Liam, Jack and Daniel.

Adrian has overcome many adversities in his life. A few years ago he developed cancer and had treatment which was not easy. This was not his first encounter with this life changing disease. Unfortunately at a young age he lost his mother to cancer also. Adrian went through a lot of difficult treatment to come out the other side. He is now living life to the full down under. He is passing on the skill of hurling and football to his three boys. He still plays with Brisbane Emeralds a strong Irish club in Australia. 

In an attempt to give something back Adrian in his 40's has decided to run the Brisbane City Marathon to raise money to help in cancer research. I would ask you to please see the link below to the marathon "run with Adrian" and donate what you can to help this worthy cause. Regards Brian Downing.