Inspirational Donal is remembered five years after passing

FIVE years after his untimely death, the inspirational

Donal Walsh is to be remembered in his native Tralee.

The 16-year-old from Blennerville passed away in

May 2013 after a long, valiant battle against cancer.

Although fighting a terminal illness, the young man never lost his positive outlook and following an appearance on RTE’s Saturday Night Show he shot to national attention.

His powerful anti suicide ‘live life’ message resonated across the country and, in the years since his death, has been credited with saving many lives with his inspirational words gaining even more power in the wake of his passing. His funeral brought Tralee to a standstill and he is fondly remembered five years later as one Tralee’s finest sons.

To mark the anniversary, numerous events will take place in and around Tralee in the coming weeks.

On Saturday, May 12 up to 30 local musicians will perform in Tralee’s Mall and Town Square while members of Tralee Rugby Club carry out a collection in aid of the Donal Walsh Live Life foundation.

The event – organised by local musicians Willie Kelly and Jim O’Connor – will also involve street performers and family entertainment.

A few days later, on May 20, his old primary school Spa NS will hold its annual family fun day and 6k challenge in honour of Donal.

The school will be a hive of activity with a fabulous farmers market in operation and children from fifth and sixth classes coordinating fun games and challenges for young and old all day. You’ ll find more details in The Kerryman’s Tralee Edition which is on shop shelves on Thursday morning.

Meanwhile, Donal will also be honoured at a Mass at Knock Shrine this Friday when 3,000 students from across the country will attend the ceremony in Mayo. It will be broadcast on RTE at 11am on Sunday May 13.

The late Donal Walsh