Laois sports fundraiser in memory of young Portlaoise man

Ciaran ‘Bobo’ Lawal's friends have organised soccer tournament

The friends of a Laois man whose life was cut short at a young age have organised a fundraising soccer tournament in his memory to help his family with the costs they have faced from his heartbreaking loss.

Ciaran ‘Bobo’ Lawal died unexpectedly at the age of 20 on September 29, 2024. Deeply missed by his mum Prisca and his dad Nuru Lawal, hw was adored brother of Kuda, sisters Colletta and Latoya.

He remains deeply missed by his family and his many friends, including those in the various sports clubs he was part of among including Park Ratheniska GAA, Portlaoise Rugby Club and Portlaoise Town AFC.

To honour his memory, Lee Carroll says he and some other friends of Bobo have organised a 7-a-side soccer tournament on Saturday, June 7 in Rossleighan Park from 12pm to 4pm.

"We will have 8 teams battling out to win the trophy, but the main aim of the day is to honour the memory of our good friend Bobo and raise some money for the family to help out with the costs of what was a terribly unexpected and heartbreaking death. MORE BELOW PICTURE.

"Bobo was one of the most popular figures for the youth of our town and county, we expect a big turn out of players, spectators and of Bobo’s family, some of whom are travelling from across the country and from different countries to attend," Lee told the Leinster Express Laois Live.

Employed by Race Right Cycles in Kea Lew Park, Portlaoise, he was a student of Aircraft Mechanics with the Atlantic Aviation Group at the time of his passing.