Family raises whopping €61k for search and rescue unit
MALLOW Search and Rescue Unit volunteers have been presented with their largest ever donation of over €60,000 from the Ronayne family.
The late Colin Ronayne (31), a UCC student, disappeared in the early hours of New Year’s Day 2016. His disappearance sparked a huge search and his body was found three weeks later in the River Lee near the marina by volunteers.
Mallow Search and Rescue Unit was heavily involved in the search for Colin. The Ronayne family wanted to thank them and organised a hugely successful night at the dogs in late November and, recently, Colin’s dad, John Joe presented the bumper cheque.
A CHARITY event organised by the Ronayne family for Mallow Search and Rescue has raised a massive contribution of over €60,000 which will be used to buya new transport vehicle and boat.
John Joe Ronayne, father of the late Colin, recently presented a cheque of €61,800 to the volunteers of Mallow Search and Rescue at the Arches in Mallow.
UCC student Colin Ronayne (31) was last seen alive on College Road in the early hours of New Year’s Day. His disappearance sparked a huge search and his body was found three weeks later in the River Lee near the marina by volunteers.
The search for Colin was hugely supported by Mallow Search and Rescue, a voluntary organisation who help in water based missing person searches.
The bumper cheque was the result of the proceeds from their very successful dog night which took part in late November at Curaheen Greyhound Stadium in Cork.
At the Arches, John Woulfe on behalf of Mallow Search and Rescue greatly thanked John Joe Ronayne and the committee for the massive work they put in. He also said it was the largest donation Mallow Search and Rescue had received and he along with all the volunteers were very grateful.
“The proceeds of these monies will be put to good use as we will purchase a new transport vehicle and boat,” he said.
Chairman of the Colin Ronayne Memorial Fund, Colin’s dad John Joe spoke briefly and he thanked everyone for their support and for everyone who helped in organising the race along along with other fundraising events. He said: “I hope these monies will support all in Mallow search and rescue in the dangerous work they do for the public, and we are glad to help them in some small way “
Previously, Mr Royane had said that the work which Mallow Search and Rescue undertakes helps to bring a sense of finality to what is truly a traumatic time for families of missing people. He described Mallow Search and Rescue as a voluntary organisation which deserves a lot of support as they don’t receive any funding from the State.