Galway village hosts special football tournament in memory of two men – ‘It's a fitting way to honour them both'
The four teams will play in memory of Stephen Cunningham and Damien Ryder.
Ahead of the tournament, the GAA club also set up an iDonate page. All proceeds from this year's event will go the three local groups: Ability West Local Services; Kitevna, Garrafrauns and Dunmore Defibrillator Groups; Dunmore Football For All.
Dunmore native Damien Ryder passed away in August 2022. In a tribute on social media, Dunmore MacHales GAA remembered Damien as one of their 'greatest supporters', with a great eye for details.
In April of the same year the community mourned Stephen Cunningham, who was also involved in the local GAA club. Stephen was found in Connemara in April 2022, after a five-month search involving thousands of volunteers.
Margaret Donnellan, mother of Stephen Cunningham, said the charity tournament it's a lovely and fitting way of keeping both Stephen and Damien alive.
She told the Irish Independent: 'It's lovely to see Steve's and Damien's memory being kept alive through this great event. Steve loved playing football for Dunmore MacHales and was so proud to captain a winning team, while Damien never missed a chance to support the club at every match.
'It's a fitting way to honour them both while also raising funds for local charities that mean so much to the community. Thank you to everyone involved for keeping their spirit alive.
She added: 'I miss Steve so much, and I have an ache in my heart that can never be mended, but his spirit is always with me.' The Four Roads Tournament 2025 will take place at STIRA Park GAA grounds from 2.30pm. BBQ, ice-cream and a shop will be available on the day as well.
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