Kevin’s Vehicle Run raises nearly €50k for charities

Cheque presentation took place at weekend

Almost €10,000 each has been raised for five local charities or causes, the proceeds of Kevin’s Christmas Light Vehicle Run.

A celebration night, at which the cheques were presented, took place in TM’s Vintage Bar in Kilnaleck last Friday night.

A total of €48,000 was raised through the festive run around Cavan Town, which took place just before Christmas in memory of the late community activist Kevin Smith who lost his battle with cancer just over a year ago.

Some 837 vehicles took part in the fundraiser, which also included children’s activities, singing by the Friends From Crosserlough Choir, the arrival of santy and an auction that generated €3,500.

The worthy beneficiaries the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust; the Vincent Magee Benefit Fund; Cuan Cancer Support Cavan; Cavan-Monaghan Palliative Care; and Yana’s Four-Leaf Clover.

Organiser, Declan Smith, a close friend of the late Kevin Smith, told the Celt that the community spirit in County Cavan is stronger than ever. He said businesses, local GAA clubs, and supporters all came together to make the vehicle run the best that it could be.

He also praised the legacy of the late Kevin Smith who was “instrumental” in helping to organise the annual run before he passed away and was also actively involved in numerous other fundraisers and initiatives supporting clubs and groups across the county. Mr Smith acknowledged Kevin’s work colleagues from Cavan County Council and Irish Water who, he said, were hugely supportive of the pre-Christmas event and ensured that everything ran smoothly at the Market Square. “All the GAA clubs came out and participated in the 15 Flags initiative to remember Kevin,” he added.

“Kevin participated in three Strictly Come Dancing’s and two Oscars for local clubs in Cavan,” added Declan.

Meanwhile, Kevin’s father made two donkey carts for the occasion and it was these that secured the bulk of the funds raised during the auction such was their beauty and the quality of craftsmanship.

The cheque presentations were organised to co-incide, roughly, with the first anniversary of Kevin’s death on December 30.

“I want to take the opportunity to thank everyone who helped out and supported the vehicle run. It was a huge success and Kevin would be very proud of the effort that was put in by everyone. The event would be nothing without the support of people who get involved and the committee is very grateful to everyone. It’s an event that suits everyone – from the very young to the very old.”

Mr Smith then pointed to all those who helped organise and support the massive fundraising effort.

“I want to thank Garrett Gault aka Donkey, an unbelievable and remarkable man,” he continued.

“Thanks to the Equestrian Centre and the Clarke family for a truly amazing venue and to Annmarie Gaffney, for always being accommodating. I also want to thank Cavan Gardaí; Cavan County Council; the Civil Defence; Irish Water, which was Kevin’s employer; all the GAA clubs that participated in the 15 flags for Kevin Initiative; our sponsors; those who made donations; stewards; bucket collectors; the CLVP Committee; and Olivia, Aine, Niamh, Micheal and the entire Smith and Keaney Family.”