PHOTOS: St Patrick's Day coffee morning on 18th birthday of Laois teenager ‘in heaven’

Mountmellick in Laois had no St Patrick's Day parade this year, but March 17 still saw a huge, uplifting community gathering, to mark the 18th birthday of young sporting star Eoin Coss who died of cancer at the age of 14.

A charity coffee morning in the Sports Complex was organised by Eoin's mother Martina Dunne and his brother Darragh, helped by their partners, family and friends, while Eoin's brother Ryan and girlfriend Orla supported from afar in Australia. The morning was in aid of Barrettstown House who give sick children and their families a joyful respite. It was a place where Eoin was invited but never got to visit.

Full story below photo gallery, courtesy of Cathy Bishop. Tap NEXT or the arrows to view them.

Singing 'Grace' for Eoin - his cousin Emma Dunne from Portarlington. 

A birthday cake was cut and balloons were released at 2pm in Eoin's Garden in the grounds of Mountmellick Community School where he was a student.

Martina told the Leinster Express / Laois Live how the day went.

“It was such a lovely way to celebrate his 18th birthday, to remember him and also to raise money for other kids.

“I'm not confirming the amount raised yet but it has surpassed all expectations.

“I was wondering what to do for his 18th and with no parade I thought it would be nice for people to come together. Everyone was so good, local supermarkets and the filling station donated all the food and hot drinks.

“People were dropping off hampers and gifts for prizes, and loads of home baking, it was amazing.

“My partner Warren did a draw for a load of firewood, won by Helen Doran. Cathy Bishop took the photos, Nora's donated the cake. My niece Emma Dunne sang Grace, Eoin's favourite song.

“I had loads of help from family and friends.

“No words could show how appreciative I am, and how good a feeling it gives me whilst I am still so broken hearted.

“This was a big day, I never imagined I'd be celebrating my son's birthday in heaven.

“The day his heart stopped part of mine went with it. I know he's minding that part of my heart until we meet again,” she said.

Martina intends to keep on fundraising to keep Eoin's memory alive.

“I promised him before he died I'd never let him be forgotten, and I will do so forever, for as long as I can.”

On the day, the family donated a €1,500 cheque to Aoibhinn's Pink Tie children's charity.

“They are amazing, they send a balloon for his anniversary and birthday, they never forget him,” Martina Dunne said.

That money is from ongoing funds for sick children raised by Eoin's Journey jerseys, which remain on sale through www.DS Sports.ie and Martina herself.

The white rainbowed jerseys were worn by many on the coffee morning, and are worn on holidays to fulfil Eoin's hope of travelling the world when he grew up.