Charity fundraiser Adrian Harkin dies after battle with motor neurone disease

Adrian Harkin, the Moville adventure business owner who raised tens of thousands for research into motor neurone disease (MND) after being diagnosed with the illness, has died.

Mr Harkin, who was diagnosed with MND in August 2022, died at this home in Moville on Wednesday surrounded by his family.

The former owner of Inish Adventures, a water sports activity centre in Moville, he had set himself to raising €1m  for the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association with Summit 2 Sea for MND, the all-island event which took place in April. It involved a 3,172 km relay circumnavigation of Ireland's coastline by experienced kayakers from every county, while at the same time, climbers scaled the summits of each of the highest peaks in all 32 counties. 

He had said that the initiative was his way of supporting and giving back to the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association for the wonderful assistance provided to him and his family.

Adrian Harkin taking part in the Summit 2 Sea for MND in April

The event has raised more than €100,000 to date to support research into the life-limiting disease which had left him relying on a computer for voice communication.

Originally from Derry, the kayaking enthusiast set up a sea-kayaking business in his adopted home of Moville before opening the water sports activity centre on Lough Foyle. In a social media post, Inish Adventures said: “He was a true inspiration and will forever be our hero.”

Mr Harkin is survived by his wife Sharon, daughters Kayleigh and Jessica, stepchildren Ryan and Leanne, his son-in-law Joe, daughters, step-son, step-daughter, grandchildren, extended family, neighbours and friends.

His Requiem Mass will take place at 11am on Saturday at St Pius X Church in Moville, followed by cremation at 4pm at Lakelands Crematorium, Co Cavan.