The local Irish community is planning a fund raiser for a Massapequa woman who was severely injured in a car accident on Aug. 31.

Mary McSwiggan, a wife and mother of four, broke almost every bone in her body when her vehicle was struck by a tractor trailer truck that ran a red light at the intersection of Lakeshore Boulevard and Sunrise Highway in Massapequa. The accident occurred at about 6:30 a.m. as Mary was traveling to her job as a nurse at North Shore University Hospital-Plainview.

The benefit, which is being organized by The Saffron Kilts Pipe Band, will be held on Thursday, Oct. 14, at Jackie Reilly's Irish Pub in Bethpage. Both Mary's husband, Kevin, and son, Kevin, Jr., a senior at Massapequa High School (MHS), are members of the Saffron Kilts Band, which is affiliated with the Ancient Order of Hibernians Division 2, based in Babylon. Mary's other children are Tara, 14, a freshman at MHS, Caitlin, 13, an eighth grader at Berner Junior High School, and Sean, 2.

As of this week, McSwiggan was listed in critical but stable condition at Nassau County Medical Center. Providing that she remained stable, doctors were planning to move her to Mount Sinai in Manhattan for further treatment.

"The recovery is going to be a long and extensive process," said Kerry Brennan, a member of The Saffron Kilts Pipe Band who is chairing the benefit, although she noted that the family is hoping for the best.

The benefit, which will defray the family's medical and personal expenses resulting from the accident, will take place from 8 p.m. to 12 a.m. It will feature performances by the Tara Pipes & Drums, which is affiliated with the Massapequa-based Ancient Order of Hibernians Division 15, Irish step dancers, and the Saffron Kilts Pipe Band, as well as a raffle. A $15 donation is requested per attendee, in advance or at the door.

Local community members are encouraged to attend. "We're really just looking to earn as much money as we can for them," said Brennan.

Those who seek more information, or are unable to attend but wish to make a contribution, are asked to contact Kerry Brennan by mail: Kerry Brennan, Attention: McSwiggan Fund, 2242 Willow Street, Wantagh, NY 11793; by phone: 785-8479; or by e-mail: Kbrennan317@msn.com.