Loved ones rally around top hurling ref as he battles against incurable disease

Dad-of-two diagnosed with motor neurone disease

- SEAN MURPHY

A FORMER county hurler's career as a top referee has been threatened by a diagnosis of incurable motor neurone disease.

Loved ones of married dad-of-two Fergus Smith, 54, who was diagnosed earlier this month, are fundraising to cover expensive medical costs.

His wife Marie and their sons saw hundreds of people donate nearly €19,000 in less than 24 hours towards the €30,000 goal.

A spokesperson for the GoFundMe fundraiser told the Irish Mirror: "Fergus is a ref in Meath and also umpires, so he is well-known in GAA circles. We are keeping things positive and Fergus is the same.