Late teen’s family honoured with Limerick Person of the Month Award after raising €222k for charity

THE committee who raised an outstanding €222,000 through the Donnacha Ryan Luke Memorial Truck and Tractor Runs has been honoured with a Limerick Person of the Month Award.

Nicole Ryan, the mother of the late Donnacha Ryan (Luke) from Shanacloon, Cappamore who tragically passed away in August 2022, just days after his 18th birthday, accepted the award.

She said they were "shocked" when they heard they'd received the accolade. "It's brilliant though that it's actually keeping Donnacha's memory alive and we're thrilled."

Nicola added that the committee are "delighted" that people are talking about Donnacha and remembering him. 

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She explained that they didn't expect to raise such an incredible sum of money. "Not in our wildest dreams. We thought a couple of thousand maybe the first year and it was shocking, absolutely shocking what was raised."

"People were so generous and we're just delighted that we're able to give it to so many different charities."

The funds were raised over three years through the Donnacha Ryan Luke Memorial Truck and Tractor Runs and 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.

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.