Relay for Life charity event in Ballyshannon raises €9,555

A Relay for Life event, which was held at McGinley’s Bar, Ballyshannon, on June 28, was organised by residents of the Abbey Bay area, Paul McLoone and John McIntyre.

As well as fundraising money for Relay for Life, the event also honoured the memory of John McIntyre’s sister, Bernadette McIntyre, who passed away in May 2025. 

A total of €9,555 was raised on the evening. 

Relay for Life is the biggest cancer fundraising initiative across the world, which sees communities across the globe coming together to celebrate cancer survivors and remember loved ones lost to cancer. 

In Donegal, Relay for Life events have been held since 2012, raising significant funds for the Irish Cancer Society and making a huge impact in helping provide services for cancer patients and their families in Donegal. 

Over 20 prizes were donated by the local business community in Ballyshannon, including prizes from the Clanree and Sandhouse Hotels, Shannons Corner and Whoriskeys restaurants, Murvagh Golf Club, Mai Kelly, Febvre wines, Mr. Gs, McGinley's Bar, and many more. 

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Paul McLoone said: "The saying that from small acorns, mighty oaks grow means that impressive things can develop from humble beginnings. It's an idiom often used to encourage people to persevere as even small efforts can lead to significant achievements.

"I believe that Bernadette left that legacy to many of us living in the Abbey Bay area here in Ballyshannon as Saturday evening was a community effort by both neighbours and friends of the McIntyre family.

"We are especially indebted to John and his wife Moira, who turned this event into such a tremendous success, ably assisted, of course, by our hosts Francis and Mary from McGinleys. 

"Relay for Life Donegal has made a huge difference to me personally, as I dealt with cancer on multiple occasions. I am particularly proud of the response of the people of Ballyshannon to our fundraising evening, and I want to thank each and everyone of them for their very generous contributions to Relay."

The Chairperson for Donegal Relay for Life, Seamus Devine, commented: "Relay is about communities together to celebrate cancer survivor's remembering those that we've lost, and standing shoulder to shoulder with those facing cancer here in Donegal."