New National Centre For Autism at Multyfarnham Abbey
Today, Monday April 2, is World Autism Day and the midlands became the focus when the new Autism Centre of Excellence at Multyfarnham Abbey was announced - and Niall Murphy completed his 100km run in a single day around Rhode (yesterday).Irish Autism Action (IAA) was given the keys to a significant portion of Multyfarnham Abbey by the Franciscans to allow the establishment of an Autism Centre of Excellence, which will be used as a centre for research, service provision and treatment.The centre already has support funding pledged by the Iris O'Brien Foundation.Keith Duffy was present at Multyfarnham Abbey for the handover of the facility and then ran with Niall for one of the ten 10km stretches his challenge was divided into.Keith, patron of the IAA, said: "We are tremendously grateful to the Franciscan friars for giving us this space, particularly after they spent well over â¬2m upgrading its facilities, and also to the Iris O'Brien Foundation for their support in this initiative.""And as for Niall, running 100km in one day is close to unbelievable!"It is hoped that the 100km run will raise some â¬100,000 for services for children with autism, including the new Autism Centre of Excellence to be established at Multyfarnham.