Family of Limerick student killed in Greece make donation in his memory

Members of the O'Brien family present a cheque to Milford Hospice in Niall's name

placeholder image — Members of the O'Brien family present a cheque to Milford Hospice in Niall's name

THE MEMORY of 21-year-old Niall O’Brien, from Castletroy, continues to shine brightly.

It is over two years since the University of Limerick financial mathematics student was taken from his loving family in tragic circumstances in Greece.

Time hasn’t dimmed the lasting impression he left on so many during his short life.

The O’Brien family has just donated €5,600 to Milford Hospice in Niall’s name.

It is thanks to Castletroy Golf Club where Niall was an accomplished golfer and was due to start a part-time bar job after that fateful holiday on the Greek island of Ios.

Ryder Cup golfers find playing 36 holes in one day tough going but Ollie Hodges and Sean Mernagh played 72 holes in the marathon golfing fundraiser.

Niall’s mum Anne said they were delighted with the monies raised.

“It was a fundraiser for the club to offset the costs of away team events but they wanted to include Niall in it. Ollie and Niall played on teams together.

“We were privileged to be asked to have Niall’s memory attached to the fundraiser because Niall played on many teams and spent countless hours in the golf club.

“Milford is a charity close to our hearts so we thought it would be appropriate to donate the money in Niall’s name. Milford and their staff are just brilliant. They are special people. It is a charity that we all need at some point,” said Anne.

The thoughtful gesture from Castletroy Golf Club has meant a lot to the O’Briens.

The family attended the cheque presentation, including their newest member, baby Chloe, who is poignantly looking at a photograph of her late uncle.

Funeral arrangements announced for young man killed in Limerick collision

“Castletroy Golf Club has been so good to us as have Monaleen and Broadford GAA clubs - they have just been superb to us since day one,” said Anne, who added that Niall’s dad Mike and brothers Cian, Eoin and Alan are members of the golf club.

A 20-year-old man has been charged with causing the death of Niall in the town of Chora on August 30, 2021. His name has not been released by police.

Anne said the case is ongoing in Greece.

“We hope that in the coming months we will get some justice for Niall through the legal system in Greece,” she said