Funeral takes place of 'big hearted' man killed in fundraising run crash

The funeral took place yesterday of the man killed following a single-vehicle collision last weekend following a fundraising drive.

Dad-of-three Richard Mulholland from Drumbee, Kilnaleck, was killed in the accident on Sunday, August 4, in Fermanagh. He was formerly from Bellaghy, Co Derry.

Big-hearted Mr Mulholland had been participating in The Summit Show & Run 2024, a charity event aimed at raising funds to support those affected by Parkinsons.

The crash on the Stragowna Road at Kinawley happened at 10:10am, shortly after the drivers had set off from on their way to St Aidan's High School in Derrylin, passing through Ballyconnell Town and Ballinamore to arrive at the Slieve Russell Hotel before heading back to the starting point at Knockninny Marina.

A car enthusiast, Mr Mulholland is predeceased by his parents J.P. and Dolores and his infant brother Enda. He is sadly missed by his daughter Erin (Noel), sons Conor (Ciara) and Culann; grandchildren Jack, Sean, Matthew and Harry; sisters Siobhan and Maria, brothers Michael and Adrian; aunts, uncles, sisters in law, brothers in law, nieces, nephews, relatives, and many friends and neighbours.

Inspector Cherith Adair from the PSNI's Collision Investigation Unit said: “Our thoughts are with the family at this time and an investigation is now underway to establish the circumstances.”

The PSNI is meanwhile appealing to anyone who may have any information which may assist their investigation, or who may have been travelling in the area at the time and captured any dash-cam or other footage, to get in touch on 101, quoting reference number 545 of 05/08/24.

Following the incident organisers of The Summit Show & Run 2024 extended their sincere and deepest sympathies to the families of those affected by the incident.

“We also wish to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who attended the event over the weekend including those who have been affected by the tragedy and we acknowledge your continuing support by choosing to return to the start as a mark of respect.”

They concluded by saying: “The motorsport and motor enthusiast community is a close one and we appreciate your thoughtfulness.”

Ballyconnell Festival organisers also posted on social media: “Our thoughts are with all involved in this event and our deepest sympathy to the family involved.”

Mr Mulholland's funeral mass was celebrated at St Patrick's Church, Kilnaleck, yesterday afternoon (Thursday) with burial afterwards in St Mary's Cemetery, Ballynarry.

May he rest in peace.