Latest news with #BrúColumbanus
Irish Independent
21 hours ago
- Irish Independent
‘The grief never goes away' – Kerry village leads from the front in global memorial fundraising walks
Instead though, the brave and resilient pair – who are American natives but who have called Sneem in South Kerry home for nearly 30 years now – decided that instead of mourning their son, they would turn his anniversary into a global celebration and one that helped to raise thousands for their chosen charity of Brú Columbanus. The pair's son, Sean Patrick Connelly, was killed on June 4, 2005, when he was driven off the road by a road rage driver in the U.S. It's a pain that never truly leaves either of them, something that they told The Kerryman this week. "It was definitely an emotional day. I had a couple of little meltdowns where the emotions took over. Even 20 years later, the emotions can take over. It [the grief] doesn't ever go away, it changes yes, but it never goes away,' said Maureen, speaking about how Saturday went for her and Bob. Saturday's 5km walk in Sneem was just one of 22 global sponsored walks in total that took place simultaneously in a number of different countries around the world, including the Netherlands and Germany; 18 walks took place meanwhile in 11 different states in the U.S with all of these walks united by their shared goal of honouring Sean's legacy and raising money for a charity close to Bob and Maureen's hearts. "We couldn't have asked for any better. We were overwhelmed at the success of it [the walk]. Two of our son's best friends, flew over from Florida for the walk here in Sneem which was just so amazing,' said Bob. "We're thinking that there was probably close to 200 people there on Saturday. It's beyond anything that we ever expected,' added Maureen. "I wrote a thank you letter about the day and there's just too many people to name separately but the main group that deserves special thanks is the people of Sneem. They all came out and it was just so amazing to see such great numbers come out and support this great charity in memory of our dear son,' Maureen continued. "We were overwhelmed with the turnout and thank each and every person from the bottom of our hearts,' she said. Although the rain threatened to spoil the day for them at times, both Bob and Maureen say that they know Sean was looking down on the day and pulled some strings to make sure that the clouds parted and that the sun came out. From a global perspective, Maureen said that all of the other fundraising walks in different locations around the world were absolutely "fantastic", especially the one in Tampa where Sean was born and raised. Here, Maureen said, all of Sean's friends got together afterward at the pub where they used to hang out to celebrate his memory. ADVERTISEMENT Learn more "As much we wanted to share Sean's memory, raising money for Brú is far more important and we hope that we raised as much money as possible for them, they deserve it." As to why the pair chose Brú Columbanus as their charity of choice, Bob told The Kerryman back in May that it was all down to him having to have open heart surgery last year. "Last year, I had open heart surgery, and my wife was going back and forth from Sneem to the hospital in Cork, and it was then that someone recommended Brú Columbanus. I was in the hospital for 17 days, but she was able to stay in accommodation provided by Brú, and amazingly, there was no charge. It all just relies on donations, and we made sure to give them a very nice donation,' said Bob. "That's when we got the idea of doing this upcoming walk in aid of Brú because the work that they do and the service that they provide is just so amazing,' he continued.
Irish Independent
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Parents of man killed by road rage driver in the US set to lead Global Walk in his memory in Sneem
The husband and wife pairing, who have called Sneem in South Kerry their home for 20 plus years now, called into The Kerryman office in Tralee back at the end of March where they beamed with pride as they talked about their late son and only child, Sean Patrick Connelly, who was driven off the road and killed by a road rage driver in the U.S nearly 20 years ago on June 4 of 2005. The pair, who were set to fly out to Florida the next day, travelled up from Sneem bright and early to talk about the upcoming global walk that they and charity Brú Columbanus have organised together as a tribute to Sean's memory. Here in Kerry, the 5km walks will take place both in Sneem and in Tralee in June 7 with 22 sponsored walks in total set to take place simultaneously in a number of different countries around the world, including the Netherlands and Germany; 18 walks will take place meanwhile in 11 different states in the U.S. All of these walks are united by their shared goal of honouring Sean's legacy. Brú Columbanus will be live-streaming the events and participants are are encouraged to share their experiences, photos, and videos on Instagram using #GlobalWalkForBru. The Sneem walk will start at the Sneem Rowing Club boathouse at 2pm. Speaking to The Kerryman, Bob and Maureen said they have been embedded in the Sneem community for nearly three decades now – Maureen is a proud member of the local Tidy Towns group there – and that it is a place that is extremely close to their hearts, not just because of the amazing community there, but also because it was the last place that Bob and Maureen were all together with Sean before he was killed. Poignantly, from their house there, Bob and Maureen say that they can see Sean's grave. It was a place, they said, that he fell in love with while he was there. In a sign of how much the duo have been embraced by the local Sneem community, Bob said that people, when passing by Sean's grave, even those who did not know him personally, will place flowers on his grave. "He was a kind, intelligent, friendly, and warm-hearted young man. He reached out to all ages. He always had a great way of communicating with people at their own level, be it children, friends, adults, and grandparents,' Bob and Maureen said. "Sean's friends showed up at our house every Thursday night for two years after his passing. They were not only showing up for our loss, but also for theirs. We then moved house to try to get on with our lives, but also hoping for them to get on with their own. Two of his friends actually named their children after Sean, and every year, on the anniversary of his death, a bunch of his friends get together to remember him,' the pair continued. Sean was 6'3 and 240 pounds and one thing we all miss terribly are his bear hugs,' they concluded. As to why the pair chose Brú Columbanus as their charity of choice, Bob said that it was all down to him having to have open heart surgery last year. "Last year, I had open heart surgery, and my wife was going back and forth from Sneem to the hospital in Cork, and it was then that someone recommended Brú Columbanus. I was in the hospital for 17 days, but she was able to stay in accommodation provided by Brú, and amazingly, there was no charge. It all just relies on donations, and we made sure to give them a very nice donation,' said Bob. "That's when we got the idea of doing this upcoming walk in aid of Brú because the work that they do and the service that they provide is just so amazing,' he continued. All details about the Global Walk for Brú can be found be clicking here:
Irish Independent
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
South Kerry to lead worldwide walks in memory of late US man killed in road rage accident
The husband and wife pairing, who have called Sneem in South Kerry their home for 20 plus years now, called into The Kerryman office in Tralee back at the end of March where they beamed with pride as they talked about their late son and only child, Sean Patrick Connelly, who was driven off the road and killed by a road rage driver in the U.S nearly 20 years ago on June 4 of 2005. The pair, who were set to fly out to Florida the next day, travelled up from Sneem bright and early to talk about the upcoming global walk that they and charity Brú Columbanus have organised together as a tribute to Sean's memory. Here in Kerry, the 5km walks will take place both in Sneem and in Tralee in June 7 with 22 sponsored walks in total set to take place simultaneously in a number of different countries around the world, including the Netherlands and Germany; 18 walks will take place meanwhile in 11 different states in the U.S. All of these walks are united by their shared goal of honouring Sean's legacy. Brú Columbanus will be live-streaming the events and participants are are encouraged to share their experiences, photos, and videos on Instagram using #GlobalWalkForBru. The Sneem walk will start at the Sneem Rowing Club boathouse at 2pm. Speaking to The Kerryman, Bob and Maureen said they have been embedded in the Sneem community for nearly three decades now – Maureen is a proud member of the local Tidy Towns group there – and that it is a place that is extremely close to their hearts, not just because of the amazing community there, but also because it was the last place that Bob and Maureen were all together with Sean before he was killed. Poignantly, from their house there, Bob and Maureen say that they can see Sean's grave. It was a place, they said, that he fell in love with while he was there. In a sign of how much the duo have been embraced by the local Sneem community, Bob said that people, when passing by Sean's grave, even those who did not know him personally, will place flowers on his grave. "He was a kind, intelligent, friendly, and warm-hearted young man. He reached out to all ages. He always had a great way of communicating with people at their own level, be it children, friends, adults, and grandparents,' Bob and Maureen said. "Sean's friends showed up at our house every Thursday night for two years after his passing. They were not only showing up for our loss, but also for theirs. We then moved house to try to get on with our lives, but also hoping for them to get on with their own. Two of his friends actually named their children after Sean, and every year, on the anniversary of his death, a bunch of his friends get together to remember him,' the pair continued. Sean was 6'3 and 240 pounds and one thing we all miss terribly are his bear hugs,' they concluded. ADVERTISEMENT As to why the pair chose Brú Columbanus as their charity of choice, Bob said that it was all down to him having to have open heart surgery last year. "Last year, I had open heart surgery, and my wife was going back and forth from Sneem to the hospital in Cork, and it was then that someone recommended Brú Columbanus. I was in the hospital for 17 days, but she was able to stay in accommodation provided by Brú, and amazingly, there was no charge. It all just relies on donations, and we made sure to give them a very nice donation,' said Bob. "That's when we got the idea of doing this upcoming walk in aid of Brú because the work that they do and the service that they provide is just so amazing,' he continued. All details about the Global Walk for Brú can be found be clicking here:
Sunday World
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Sunday World
Brother and cousin of tragic jockey Michael O'Sullivan to run half marathon in his memory
The 24-year-old Cork man had been riding the Gerard O'Leary-trained Wee Charlie in a two-mile handicap chase when he suffered a fall at Thurles Racecourse in Co Tipperary on February 6 The younger brother of tragic jockey Michael O'Sullivan and his cousin are to run a half marathon next month in his memory. The 24-year-old Cork man had been riding the Gerard O'Leary-trained Wee Charlie in a two-mile handicap chase when he suffered a fall at Thurles Racecourse in Co Tipperary on February 6. Michael was severely injured in the fall and was rushed to hospital, where he was placed in an induced coma. Michael remained in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Cork University Hospital (CUH) where he died in the early hours of Sunday, February 16, just days before his 25th birthday. His brother Alan who is also a jockey, and cousin David will be running the Cork City Half Marathon, which takes place on June 1 this year, as part of a fundraiser launched in Michael's memory. Cork jockey Michael O'Sullivan News in 90 Seconds - May 9th All funds raised will go to charity Brú Columbanus, who offer free accommodation to families of patients in hospitals in Cork. The iDonate page for the fundraiser that has raised almost €30,000 raised so far, states that when Michael was in ICU in CUH, 'Brú Columbanus became a haven for the O'Sullivan family'. 'It gave them precious time together — moments that can never be replaced. 'It provided a calm, compassionate space where they could be close to Michael, supporting him and each other during those critical days,' the page reads. It adds that Alan and David O'Sullivan are taking on the Cork City Half Marathon to raise vital funds for Brú Columbanis, 'a charity close to their hearts'. 'This run is in honour of their beloved brother and cousin, jockey Michael O'Sullivan, and in deep appreciation for the care and support their family received during a time of unimaginable difficulty,' the fundraiser states. The charity, which offers free accommodations, survives solely on donations. 'That's why Alan and David are lacing up their runners — to give back and help ensure other families facing crisis can find the same comfort and support,' the fundraiser adds. In March, several members of O'Sullivan's family flew to England to attend a prestigious race in honour of the young sportsman at the Cheltenham Festival. Back in 2023 Michael O'Sullivan had his first winners at the Cheltenham Festival, including the Supreme Novices' Hurdle win on Marine Nationale, just months after turning professional. That race has now been renamed in honour of the tragic jockey. Leading figures from the world of horseracing joined hundreds of mourners at Michael's funeral the previous month. Trainer Willie Mullins, his son Patrick Mullins, and former jockey Ruby Walsh were among those at the service at John the Baptist Church in Glantane, in County Cork. Father Gerard Coleman said the jockey lived life to the full in a requiem Mass, adding that he packed more into his 24 young years than most people do in two lifetimes. He said he had maturity beyond his years and had a 'tremendous understanding'. 'He understood his horses and that's why he was such a great rider. But he also understood people and that is why he made a lasting impression on everyone and won the hearts of the Irish people,' said Father Coleman. 'Everyone loved him. He was an incredibly talented and dedicated sportsman and will never be forgotten.' His coffin was brought to the church from his home in nearby Lombardstown and young members of the Duhallow Pony Club formed a guard of honour as the cortege passed by in pouring rain.
Extra.ie
09-05-2025
- Health
- Extra.ie
Family of late jockey Michael O'Sullivan to run half-marathon in his memory
The brother and cousin of a jockey who died following a tragic fall during a race earlier in the year are running a half marathon next month in his memory. 24-year-old Michael O'Sullivan died in hospital a week after sustaining injuries in a fall at Thurles Racecourse. The Cork man had been riding the Gerard O'Leary-trained Wee Charlie in a two-mile handicap chase before coming down, with the jockey requiring immediate medical attention. The brother and cousin of a jockey who died following a tragic fall during a race earlier in the year are running a half marathon next month in his memory. Pic: John Walton/PA Wire Michael had been in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Cork University Hospital (CUH) where he died in the early hours of Sunday, February 16. A fundraiser has been launched in Michael's memory with his brother Alan and cousin David running the Cork City Half Marathon, which takes place on June 1, as part of the fundraiser. All funds raised will go to charity Brú Columbanus, who offer free accommodation to families of patients in hospitals in Cork. Michael had been in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Cork University Hospital (CUH) where he died in the early hours of Sunday, February 16. Pic: Javier Garcia/REX/Shutterstock An iDonate for the fundraiser has been launched, with almost €30,000 raised so far. The page said: 'Alan and David O'Sullivan are taking on the Cork City Half Marathon to raise vital funds for Brú Columbanis, a charity close to their hearts. This run is in honour of their beloved brother & cousin, jockey Michael O'Sullivan, and in deep appreciation for the care and support their family received during a time of unimaginable difficulty. 'When Michael was in ICU in CUH, Brú Columbanus became a haven for the O'Sullivan family. It provided a calm, compassionate space where they could be close to Michael, supporting him and each other during those critical days. 'It gave them precious time together — moments that can never be replaced.' The charity, which offers free accommodations, survives solely on donations with the page noting that this is why Alan and David are 'lacing up their runners.' At the time of writing, €28,383 has been raised for the fundraiser with donations accepted until July 1, 2025. Donations can be made here. The Cork City Marathon, Half-Marathon and Mini Marathon take place on Sunday, June 1.
