Bríd Sweeney raises over €17,000 for Kevin Bell Trust

A local woman who raised €17,342 in aid of the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust received high praise at an event which was held in Casadh an tSúgáin last night. 

There was only standing space at the popular spot at the event which was organised by Bríd Sweeney. The popular local photographer has been walking every day since January 1 to raise money for the deserving trust. She will continue to do so until December 31, regardless of the weather such is the level of her commitment.  

The Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust aims to alleviate the financial hardship of bereaved families through repatriating the body (bodies) of loved one(s) who have died abroad in sudden or tragic circumstances back to Ireland. The trust has helped so many people throughout the county and country and is very much appreciated and respected. 

Colin and Eithne Bell who set up the trust were present at the event. 

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Speaking at the event, Teachta Pearse Doherty said: "Bríd gave a commitment to walk every day to raise funds for the trust and she did it every day for such a good cause. She touched so many hearts."

Teachta Doherty commended the trust, he said: "Over thirteen hundred people repatriated home in under ten years - this year two hundred and thirty people taken home from abroad - all over the world to all over the country and it is because of people like Bríd who raises money who ensures that the next person who has a tragedy can be helped."

Sinn Féin Councillor John Shéamais Ó Fearraigh also commended the trust and said it was exceptionally important that the trust was there to help people at heartachingly sad times. 

Local businessman, Kieran Roarty outlined how important it was that an organisation such as The Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust exists and described how efficient the organisation is.

He said: "The trust is extremely important. They are only one phone call away. Their organisational skills are excellent and that is so important."

At the begining of the evening Bríd was delighted that she had raised €13,000. During the course of the evening raffles and an auction was held to raise further funds. 

A moment of silence was also held for all those who had lost loved ones. 

The manager of Ionad Naomh Pádraig, Dobhair, Máíre Uí Chomhaill took to the stage to speak. She praised Bríd for all the work she has done to date. She described the work that Bríd did in raising money for the sculpture on the industrial estate in Derrybeg and the continued fundraising she has done for The Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust. Máire said that the next two people that call and need to take the cancer light to Dublin would be given the flights for free.

A GAA jersey and book, Ómós d’Ógie, in respect of the late Ógie Ó Dufaigh who tragically lost his life in a car crash last year was auctioned during the course of the evening. Brendán ‘Ógie’ Ó Dufaigh shared strong affiliations with the Gaeltacht area. The GAA jersey had his name on the front and a beautiful prayer in Irish on the back. The jersey and book were auctioned for €1,000.

As proceedings came to a close before the disco - the amount of money was counted by Bríd's helpers. It was an exceptionally emotional moment when the final figure was announced. Bríd was delighted to have raised €17,342. She praised the people of Donegal: "Thank you each and everyone of you - everyone who has helped me. I really cannot thank you enough. The people of Donegal are so, so kind."