Memorial truck and tractor run for one in a million Limerick teen
YOUNG Donnacha Ryan (Luke) would have been in his element at a massive truck and tractor run later this month, with a concert afterwards, but sadly it is in his memory.
The young man from Shanacloon, Cappamore passed away days after his 18th birthday in a tragic road traffic incident last August.
His untimely passing at such a tender age plunged his parents Mikey and Nicola, sister Aisling, girlfriend Mary, extended family, countless friends, the parish of Cappamore, east Limerick and west Tipperary into grief.
Everybody knew Donnacha. His charm, kindness and warm smile endeared him to old and young during his all too short life.
His funeral Mass was a celebration of his life and a big part of Donnacha’s life were tractors, cars, trucks and motorbikes.
A hearse was replaced by a truck which brought the coffin of the teenager from his home in Shanacloon to the edge of Cappamore village.
Fr Dick Browne spoke of the respect the Ryan family was held in and he knew they would shoulder their cross with “faith and dignity and resignation”. How right the parish priest was.
His family is organising a memorial truck and tractor run in Donnacha’s memory on Sunday, April 30.
Mum Nicola said Donnacha loved everything from tractors to cars to trucks and motorbikes.
“He loved working on them and buying new stuff for his cars. He was always out and about with his friends. He would have loved to have been involved in organising this truck run. It's just so sad that it's actually in his memory,” said Nicola.
All are welcome to take part. Nicola says registration starts from noon on April 30 at the Tipperary Town Plaza and later they will make their way in convoy to Doon Community Centre.
“We have a Facebook page with links to sponsor or donate. We have got incredible support from local businesses and I want to thank each and every one of them for coming on board. There is also a pre-registration link for vehicles on the Facebook page too,” said Nicola, who paid a special thanks to Michael and Seamie Barry for the kind use of their field and Doon Community
Council and Doon GAA for the generous use of their facilities.
The event won’t stop when they get to Doon as there will be music and entertainment in the community centre from 7pm with DJ Dan, Molly O'Connell and the Tumbling Paddies.
Tickets are limited and can be bought at ticket nights. See the Donnacha Ryan Luke Memorial Truck and Tractor Run Facebook page for details.
The event will benefit several local clubs and charities but more importantly it will celebrate the memory of a young man who is dear to so many hearts.