Fundraiser in memory of tragic Longford biker raises €10k for Drumlish National School
There was an overwhelming feel of poignancy in the air last Friday as a fitting tribute in memory of tragic Longford biker Seanie Reilly was made to St Mary’s National School, Drumlish.
The much loved father of four was killed following a two vehicle crash at Esker South, Ballinalee in May.
A keen advocate with his wife Sinead for the north Longford school’s sensory room, Seanie had been planning to hold a bike run for the facility before tragedy struck.
Seanie was a long-time motorbike enthusiast and well-known for his involvement in a number of charity events locally.
News of his death prompted a flood of tributes from right across the local community in Drumlish and surrounding parishes.
The Longford man was also a member of his beloved Devils Disciples Motorcycle Club.
“This was the fourth year of it. We had one year where we had it for Longford Food Bank but the other three years was for the school,” said a proud and understandably emotional Sinead following last Friday’s cheque presentation.
A grand total of €10,003 was raised on foot of a GoFundMe campaign for the unit, something Sinead said was in no small way bittersweet.
“Our two youngest are autistic so sensory room at st Mary's is a cause that is very close to our hearts,” she said, adding how the couple had been in close contact with the school’s principal Ms Hannafin throughout their fundraising efforts.
“Every year he (Seanie) did it, he would say: ‘As long as we get more than last year’. That was his thing,” she said.
As for how she and her young family are coping just three months on from Seanie’s untimely passing, Sinead said her main focus was on ensuring the couple’s young family are prioritised over the weeks and months ahead.
“It’s a case of just trying our best to make sure the kids are alright,” she said.
“As long as the kids are okay, that’s the main thing.”
A bike run, aptly named the Bull Run in aid of the sensory room will be held on September 16 next.
Registration will take place at 12 noon with the run taking place at 2pm from The Mill Bar, Drumlish followed by rock night from 7pm.