James Stephens Barracks in Kilkenny backs Marymount fundraising campaign

The kind-hearted generosity of the people of Kilkenny has been instrumental in raising monies for Marymount Hospice in memory of a special young man who died from cancer.

Killian Lawton was just 24 when he died in July 2021. A proud Cork man he has strong ties to Kilkenny and his brother Padraig has been living in Kilkenny for almost 20 years. Padraig is a sergeant in the defence forces, based at James Stephens Barracks and Killian’s nephews. Seán and Conor play hurling for Dunamaggin and with their school, Coláiste Éamann Rís in Callan.

Killlian’s sister, Nora explained how the people of Kilkenny have been fantastic in their support of the fundraiser which has raised over €48,000.

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“We’ve had a lot of support from friends and family in Kilkenny over the last months and we’d love to let people know how much was raised in the end and to say thank you to everyone who has supported us. Seán and Conor have been amazing and were involved in organising a fundraising swim which raised over €10,000.

“The Irish Defence Forces also made a donation , it was a collection from those based at James Stephens Barracks and they donated €3,000. We also held an Easter run/walk/hike/cycle and raised over €26,000 and Killian’s company (River & Mercantile, London) held a table quiz last summer and raised €2,500,” she added.

Describing his late younger brother, Barry Lawton said he was ‘a very outgoing and charismatic person’, with an intense passion for sport.

“He had so many different friends from college and work. After he graduated from UCC in 2019 he moved to London, and he was working there as well. So quite a lot of friends scattered around the place.”

“He’d be mortified to hear us bigging him up like this,” added Nora. “He never made a big deal about the fact that he was just naturally intelligent”.

Brother Padraig explained how Killian’s friend Seán Holland from Barryroe, arranged for the Munster team to send a video message during his first few days in Marymount.

“Some of the players were in South Africa at the Lions Tour and went out of their way on a match day to record that message. That meant so much. Killian was buzzing after that. Another friend in London had Chelsea’s Ben Chilwell lined up to speak to him after the Euros. Unfortunately, at that stage Killian was too sick for the call. He did watch the Euros final, though, and was delighted that football was going Rome.

‘The Chelsea squad sent a letter to Killian in July. It was signed by club captain Cesar Azpilicueta. It seems they didn’t pay enough postage, so the letter only arrived on September 8 which is Killian’s birthday. We felt it had to be a sign,” added Padraig.

Killian died in Marymount Hospice in July 2021 after a short illness.

“The care not only for patients but for families is unbelievable. They went above and beyond - nothing was too much. As a family we appreciate every donation and know that it will help. We want to thank the people of Kilkenny for supporting this cause that means so much to us.”