€75K for palliative care in memory of late Laragh man

A charity vehicle run held in memory of a popular Laragh man almost doubled its fundraising target when it raised €75,000.

The event was held in memory of Vincent O’Rourke who died in April 2022 following a short illness, with all proceeds going to Cavan/Monaghan Palliative Care.

Vincent’s brother Dessie said it’s no surprise the event exceeded its initial fundraising target.

“Once you mention palliative care, people are very quick to put their hands in their pockets. Vincent or Vincie as he was known was a very popular figure with lots of friends and his funeral was one of the biggest ever seen in the area, so it was always going to raise a lot of money.”

Palliative care was a cause close to Vincie’s heart and he even raised money for it not long before he was diagnosed, Dessie explains.

“He was 60 in February 2022 and he decided to have a party to mark the occasion. Instead of presents, he asked for people to give to the Palliative Care as well as Drumlin House. He raised €6,000 and split it evenly between the two. He didn’t know he’d be needing it so quickly. He was diagnosed with cancer on March 3 and passed away on April 16.”

Dessie says that the vehicle run was one of the biggest of its kind ever seen in the area.

“There were over 240 tractors, 32 trucks, 40 cyclists, as well as countless cars. They all did different routes. There was a GoFundMe page set up that brought in €15,000. One person in Australia donated €2,000 on their own. It was amazing.”

The event also received great support from local businesses.

“We also had an auction where things like power washers, TVs, turf, which were all donated by local businesses. No expenses were claimed for the event from all of the local businesses who helped out. They all did it for free. It was amazing and we’re very grateful.”