Memorial celebration for Limerick girl who fought hard against cancer

THERE will only be one name on the lips of the people of Askeaton this weekend and that is of Limerick girl Lauren McGrath.

She sadly passed away on July 27 last year at the tender age of 16. Lauren, of Ballyvockoge, Cappagh, Askeaton, fought cancer five times during her short life.

She bravely battled illness with a smile and a laugh and touched everyone who had the pleasure of meeting her.

Askeaton and surrounding parishes will come together this weekend for Lauren’s memorial celebration. It is being organised by the staff of the Top of the Town bar where her brother Alan works.

Davida Kelly, chairman of the organising committee, said somebody on their staff group came up with the idea of giving a donation to Lauren’s dad Niall’s charity cycle in memory of his daughter.

Lauren’s Memorial Cycle, Malin to Mizen will take place in September with monies raised going to Cliona's Foundation and Little Blue Heroes.

Both charities were a huge source of comfort and help to Niall, wife June and his family throughout Lauren’s illness.

Davida came up with the idea of doing a pub quiz to raise more money for the cycle.

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“I was thinking more about it and said maybe we could do a whole weekend as a memorial celebration of Lauren’s life. The family are very well-liked, it would be something for the people of Askeaton to celebrate her memory and it would bring people back together again after Covid,” said Davida.

This all started just seven weeks ago and everybody has put their shoulder to the wheel to organise three days of events and activities centred around the Top of the Town bar.

It starts this Friday, August 18 with a pink themed disco and prizes for the best dressed man and woman.

At 6pm on Saturday, there will be a wax, shave or dye your hair event, barbecue and auction with lots generously donated including a Husqvarna auto mower and Charolais heifer. There will also be a raffle over the weekend.

“There are 30 people shaving their heads, waxing or dying their hair. There are 30 sponsorship cards gone out. The response is overwhelming,” said Davida.

On Sunday, there will be a big parade going through Askeaton. It will start outside the church around 1.30pm and feature motorbikes and vintage cars. It will finish at the Top of the Town bar where a family fun day will take place with fun and games, fancy dress, soccer tournament, live music until late and lots more.

Every cent raised will be divided between Cliona's Foundation and Little Blue Heroes.

“The weekend will be a celebration of Lauren’s short life,” said Davida, who shares a unique connection with Lauren’s mum June.

“My boy Dean has special needs. He will be 22 this year. Eighteen years ago June actually helped me to fundraise with Wyeth Ireland for the Jack and Jill Foundation. We raised over €70,000. It is kind of uncanny in a way that she helped me and now I feel like I’m giving a little bit of help to her and the charities that helped her little girl through her illnesses,” said Davida.

For more information on the weekend see the Top of the Town bar’s Facebook page.