The late Rocco McGinley to be remembered on charity night on 18th birthday

A special black-tie charity event will take place on Friday, August 8, at the Inishowen Gateway Hotel to celebrate what would have been Rocco McGinley’s 18th birthday.

The Buncrana teen passed away after a battle with a rare brain tumour in February 2023, surrounded by his family. He had been diagnosed with an extremely rare type of life-threatening brain tumour in October 2021. 

The third-year student at Scoil Mhuire, Buncrana was treated in Letterkenny University Hospital, and in Dublin at Crumlin Children's Hospital, Temple Street Children's University Hospital and St Luke’s Hospital.

The evening promises to be a heartfelt tribute filled with music, laughter, and community spirit in memory of Rocco.

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Guests will be welcomed with a drinks reception from 6.30pm, followed by a three-course meal served sharply at 7.30pm. Micky Doherty will compere the evening’s events, guiding attendees through a packed programme of entertainment and celebration.

Live music on the night will be provided by a stellar line-up including Jack Gill, Matthew Crampise, the David James Band, and We Love Sax. A DJ will keep the party going till late, ensuring the dance floor stays lively throughout the night.

Adding to the excitement, a live auction will take place during the evening, hosted by Mark McLaughlin. The event promises to be a memorable occasion and a meaningful tribute to Rocco, honouring his memory with a night full of joy, music, and goodwill.

Tickets are priced at €60 per person. Organisers are encouraging early booking as a strong turnout is expected for what is sure to be a jam-packed evening of fun and remembrance.

In Oct 2021, Rocco at 14 years old was diagnosed with a terminal brain cancer," Rocco's parents, Yvonne and Wade, posted. "Our boy, our gorgeous fun loving, big-hearted beautiful boy and we tried so hard to save him. We crowd-funded and we had the most amazing support from our community and from all over the world, which we will be forever grateful for.

"In many ways, those fundraising events locally and our trips to Texas were what got us through those dark days. Rocco
met so many wonderful people who supported him and he was so grateful and overwhelmed by everyone's generosity, as were we.

"Rocco had an unwavering positive attitude and we were so proud of him, so very proud as we watched as he worked his way around the various events, thanking people who were helping him on his journey. But as parents we were absolutely heartbroken that we were here, in this situation with our amazing, kind boy who was so young and who had his whole life ahead of him.

"Now over two years after his passing and heading towards what would have been Rocco's 18th birthday weekend, we want to honour his short life by helping other families in the same situation we unwillingly found ourselves in. We hope to run this charity event to raise funds that may go some way to alleviate some of the pressure families feel when they are forced to give up work due to the unexpected illness of a child.

"The charities that supported Rocco and us as a family were The Gavin Glynn Foundation and Aoibheann’s Pink Tie, and they continue to help other unfortunate families that are just heading into these difficult times all through Ireland. Rocco was everything you could want from a child, he was the light of our lives, the centre of our world.

"He was funny, charismatic and adored by his siblings and friends. Our hearts will never be whole again but with your support we hope this charity event held on Rocco's 18th birthday will help other families and because of that we know Rocco would be happy. Thank you all from the bottom of our hearts".