€5,000 raised in memory of Seán after tractor run
A beloved and valued member of a small community in Collon was recalled recently, when a memorial Tractor Run was held in his honour.
Glassallen farmer Seán Loughran died suddenly following a heart attack, and his friends and neighbours gathered to organise a special event, which not only attracted over 150 tractors, but also raised an incredible €5,000 to benefit the patients of the Coronary care unit in Our Lady of Lourdes hospital.
Neighbour Ronan Barron was one of the committee to plan this great day – held on February 16th - and he was thrilled it was such a success for all involved.
“Seán was only 56, and a lovely character and would do anything for anyone,” says Ronan, who organised the run with Thomas Delaney, Owen and Tommy de Courcy, Jonny Barron and Larry Lenehan. “The day he took ill, he was down helping a neighbour with a newborn lamb, and we wanted to make sure he was never forgotten.”
The committee was expecting in the region of 50 or 60 tractors, and were blown away when over double that turned up on the day.
“It went really well, and because of so many tractors and visitors, the total amount we raised far exceeded our expectations, as we thought we’d raise a couple of thousand,” said Ronan. “Tractors came from all over – Duleek, Bellewstown, even Armagh – and from facebook and a bit on LMFM, it just seemed to grow legs.”
The committee is delighted that William Sullivan came on board, and allowed people to park near his military museum, and also the Teach Raithneach centre for throwing open their doors.
“There was a lovely atmosphere, and Seán was well known from the cattle and sheep sales,” he adds. “We want to also thank Gerard Weldon of Broomfield and District, Garda Liam Hennessy from Slane Garda station for his help on the day, all the stewards who helped out, everyone who donated spot prizes, and of course, all the other halves, who kept tea and sandwiches going all day and sold the tickets.”
The sizeable cheque was presented to staff of the Coronary care unit in Our Lady of Lourdes hospital on Thursday with grateful thanks.
“We hope others may benefit in Sean’s memory, and perhaps we might make it an annual event, and others charities could also benefit in his memory too,” concluded Ronan.