PICTURES: Incredible sum of €222k raised for good causes in memory of Limerick teen Donnacha

THE FINAL chapter of a remarkable community effort has closed with an outstanding €222,000 donated to charitable and community causes in memory of Limerick teenager Donnacha Ryan Luke. 

The funds were raised over three years through the Donnacha Ryan Luke Memorial Truck and Tractor Runs, created following Donnacha’s tragic passing in August 2022, just days after his 18th birthday.

The last cheque presentation took place in O’Dwyer’s Bar, Cappamore, where €87,000 was distributed.

The money was shared among a wide range of organisations working in key areas such as grief support, mental health services, cancer care, medical and emergency response, childhood illness, community development, and local sports clubs. These groups reflect both the needs of the region and the values Donnacha himself embodied — kindness, community,  helping others.

The first memorial run was held in 2023 as a way for Donnacha’s family and friends to honour his memory and support charities close to their hearts.

What was intended as a once-off tribute grew into three highly-successful annual runs due to overwhelming public support. Each year, hundreds of trucks, tractors, cars, and bikes travelled from the Tipperary Town Plaza to Doon Community Centre, where a family fun day and concert took place.

Donnacha’s own tractor held pride of place in the cavalcade, symbolising his well-known passion for engines and machinery. Friends often remarked, “Donnacha would be in his element” as the convoy made its way through towns and villages he knew so well. People didn’t just turn up to drive -they came to share stories, to remember the young man who touched so many lives, and to support the family who showed immense strength in their grief.

And each year, as sunshine broke through the clouds, many quietly said: “Donnacha is smiling down on us.”

Donnacha’s parents, Mikey and Nicola, and his sister Aisling, his girlfriend Mary and both Ryan families expressed heartfelt gratitude to the organising committee, sponsors, volunteers, participants, and the wider community.

They said the support shown over the three years has brought comfort during an extremely difficult time and has helped ensure that Donnacha’s memory continues to inspire kindness and community spirit.

Although this year marks the conclusion of the Donnacha Ryan Luke Memorial Truck and Tractor Run, the legacy of the event - and of Donnacha - will live on through the many lives improved by the donations made in his name.

Mary Purcell, of Grow Mental Health, said the support from the memorial run will make a significant difference to their services.

“The funding helps us continue running our free weekly peer-support groups across the Mid-West, covering essential costs such as venue rental, training, and wellbeing programmes.

"It also allows us to support members through residential weekends that build confidence and recovery skills. Importantly, this donation will help us establish new groups in Limerick and Nenagh in 2026.”

Mairead O’Keeffe, of the Children’s Grief Centre, said: "We were delighted to be nominated as a charity partner for the memorial run this year.

"We are overwhelmed by how much was raised and the funds we receive will allow us to continue to provide a support service offered directly to children who have  been affected by loss in their life.”

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