Pelow thanks Irish hockey community for support

At half-time of the men’s Irish Senior Cup final between Cork Harlequins and Railway Union last Sunday, Ronan Pelow addressed the crowd to express his thanks to the hockey public for their support to his family in the wake of his son Chris’ traumatic recent illness. For those who were unable to make it to Belfield, Ronan has sent on his words from the day to SFH to extend his thanks to all who have offered their support: “Mr President, wonderful friends in Hockey, on behalf of my son Chris, his mother Suzanne and our families, I wish to publicly thank you for the incredible support given to us during Chris’s recent traumatic illness. “Please pass on our sincere thanks to anyone kind enough to enquire and assure them that their support is very much appreciated. “Throughout this crisis, the hockey community has overwhelmed us with support through texts, e-mails and enquiries to family and friends. We are particularly bowled over by the response to “The Friends of Chris Pelow Fund” set up by Corinthian HC to help with still indeterminate costs. Our thanks to all for their wonderful generosity, organising and contributing to this initiative.

“Today, I can truly say that Hockey Connections saved Chris’s life. From day one his medical care has been in the hands of friends, fellow members of his hockey club, Sydney Uni. His surgeon Sanjeev Gupta, is a past 1st grade player who now plays masters. “Sydney University HC, together with you the Irish hockey community, prove my long held belief that nothing surpasses hockey as a sport and as a support structure. “The friendship shown by SUHC has been extraordinary, in particular Moylo, Crenno, Dags, Andy, but so many others too, they’ve all rallied round and have been a fantastic support not only to Chris but to his mother and I. Without this our time in Sydney would have been even more difficult. “Chris has many really good friends, two happened to be on the ground with him as this crisis unfolded, Ian Slattery and Mark Willis both also past pupils of Wesley College. They stood with him like true friends do giving Chris vital support while he awaited our arrival. At home here Henry Micks, Iain Walker and others who helped drive fundraising efforts, of which we were unaware till much later. “While in RPA Hospital Chris was granted a four year work visa, having been sponsored by his employers TRC Group, to whom I would like to pay tribute for the support they have shown him. His job is secure and they want him back at his desk when he’s ready. This is of enormous psychological help giving Chris a tangible goal to aim for. “Through social media ,Facebook and Twitter, Chris kept his friends (and the world) informed of his situation, often without us realising it, the support derived has been a great help. “During the past few weeks, Chris has enjoyed being back in Dublin amongst family and friends. He delighted in watching Corinthian II win the IJC for the first time, just five days after coming home – a great homecoming party – well done lads. “Chris returns to Sydney at the end of the month to continue his re-hab to regain full mobility, independence and importantly, to return to work “I’ve no doubt that he will have much to contend with both physically and mentally, but if these past few months are anything to go by, he’s up for these challenges helped by continuing support from Hockey Connections here, in Sydney and beyond. “Thank you one and all.”