Over €10k raised for Dessie Byrne Memorial Fund

Two South Roscommon clubs have raised a whopping €10,500 after organising a car, tractor and motorbike run in Lecarrow in memory of the late Dessie Byrne who tragically passed away last year.

Baylough native Dessie, who had lived in Lecarrow for many years up to his passing, and his sister Muriel Eriksson died on August 4 last year following a tragic accident whilst on holiday in Ballybunion.

Lecarrow Lazers Cycling Club and St John's Lecarrow Vintage Club organised events last August to raise money for the Dessie Byrne Memorial Fund, which was then distributed to various organisations. A sum of €3,500 from the proceeds was donated to Ballybunion Sea and Cliff Rescue Service, Roscommon Sub Aqua and to Dessie's partner Paulette respectively.

Chairman of St John's Lecarrow Vintage Club and close friend of Dessie, Brendan Donnelly, said that the club was “very pleased” with the figure raised by the charitable events which also included a coffee morning organised by Lecarrow Cycling Club.

Mr Donnelly added that there was a “great response” from the local people to the charity events and a lot of support from motorbike clubs. Around 50 tractors took part in the car, tractor and motorbike run along with 35 cars and 30 motorbikes.

Dessie was a valued member of both the cycling and vintage club. Mr Donnelly, said there was good coordination between the Vintage Club and the Lecarrow Lazers to ensure that the events went smoothly.