Lynch to wear Kieran Gore Fund breaches Life as a freelance jockey has been going well for Andrew Lynch and the county Meath jockey has teamed up with a local charity in recent weeks. Lynch (30), who got married last month, has been supporting a cause close to his heart by wearing branding on his breeches for the Kieran Gore fund. "Kieran is the son of a close family friend who was diagnosed with a very serious condition," added Lynch, who has ridden 30 more horses this season than any other jockey in Ireland. "I think it's the first time a jockey has worn the logo of a charity that's not the injured jockeys' fund so it's quite unique. "It's a great cause and lots of local people and local organisations in Ashbourne have been doing great work to support it. "Kieran is a terrific kid and it would be really good to see plenty of money raised to make his life better," added Lynch. 11-year-old Kieran Gore was diagnosed in 2012 with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMS) — an genetic condition which affects the muscles, causing muscle weakness. A committee was formed in January to raise sufficient funds to cater for Kieran's mobility needs and already they've ran several fund-raising events with 30 local ladies also competing in the mini-marathon. DMS is a serious condition which starts in early childhood. The weakness develops gradually and although ymptoms are mild at first, they increase as the child gets older. From the age of around 9-11 walking becomes more difficult and a wheelchair is required. Complications begin at this point whereby children will need specialist care and assistance. Committe treasurer Mort O'Sullivan said: "It's a terrific gesture by Andrew to wear the charity's logo on his breeches. "It should really help with the charity and hopefully promote the website for more online donations. "It'd be great to see him ride plenty of winners during the summer months and the big festivals in Galway and Listowel." Lynch will be forever associated with the brilliant two-mile chaser Sizing Europe — who was recently retired after a below par effort Punchestown. "He has been unbelievable for my career and we had some fantastic days. They had a day for him at Tramore recently and I believe he's entered for the show-jumping at the RDS," said Lynch, who partnered Sizing Europe to 15 of his last 16 wins. To find out more and donate go to www.thekierangorefund.com By Brian Flanagan (Irish Daily Star)
