The moving story behind the Danema Run, organised by motorcyclists from Kilkenny
After more than twenty years, the bi-annual Danema Bike Run has become a staple fixture of Kilkenny’s fundraising calendar.
Set up all the way back in 1999, the run brings bikers from Kilkenny and further afield together as they raise money for Children’s Health Foundation, Crumlin.
Danema was set up after two local bikers, Dermot Doheny and John Lyons, needed to avail of Crumlin’s services.
Dermot’s son Daniel and John’s daughter Emma needed medical treatment and Crumlin was there for them at their time of need.
Dermot said that the idea came about after a conversation between the pair in a local bar.
“My son Daniel needed open heart surgery as a baby and John’s daughter needed a lot of surgery when she was a baby. We said we’d do something to support Crumlin and all the amazing work they do.”
That’s essentially how Danema was born, the name of the bike run being a combination of both Daniel and Emma’s names.
[Picture: The very first cheque presentation, taken back in 1999]
In future runs they’d be joined by Peter Shea and Eileen Lanigan, but the committee has remained largely the same over the decades.
This year’s run, which took the group to Wales was extra special because they were forced to call off their run in 2021 due to the pandemic.
“Logistically, there’s a lot involved,” Dermot explains.
“We have to organise breakdown vans along the way and a lot of preparation goes into route planning.
“Other things such as ferry transport need to be sorted as well if we’re taking the bikes abroad, the same is true for accommodation.”
This year Anne Keating is stepping down as treasurer of the Danema Run, and will be a ‘big loss’, according to Dermot.
“She’s retiring and was great in dealing with Crumlin and we really appreciate all she has done over the years.”
As well as being an important fundraiser for Crumlin, the bike run is also a great way for local bikers to socialise and make connections.
Dermot said that there is ‘a very special bond’ amongst many of the members and that the run serves as a great way to reconnect with old friends.
This year, €25,000 was raised for Children’s Health Foundation, Crumlin.
Since its establishment back in 1999, a total in excess of €370,000 has been raised.
All of this money is helping Crumlin with their goal of saving the lives of critically ill children.