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A Night to Remember Darren…
25.11.08
SATURDAY was certainly
a Night to Remember when 400 people gathered in
Buncrana for a gala tribute to Darren McDonagh who
died earlier this year from Duchenne Muscular
Dystrophy.
Close to €10,000 was raised from the glitzy event at
the Inishowen Gateway Hotel which included a
four-course dinner, auction and music and dancing to
the legendary Drifters and their ten-piece band.
Darren's mum Annmarie said the family were very
moved by the turn-out. |
"We would like to thank
everyone who supported us on the night. It was a
great tribute to Darren and gave us so much comfort
to know that people care," she said.
Annmarie said the funds raised were badly needed and
would allow Duchenne Ireland to help other families
living with the terminal condition. She said it
would help the organisation make inroads into
researching the condition in Ireland – such research
currently only takes place in Britain.
"With Duchenne, there is not much |
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hope for families but
without research we have nothing," added Annmarie.
As the family had wished, Saturday's event was a
joyful one, celebrating the life of a much-loved
teenager who contributed much to his community in
his short life. There were many touching tributes
throughout the night including one from Crana
College principal Liam Galbraith. He went on to
present the family with a cheque for €1,000, on
behalf of his pupils who undertook a special school
fundraiser in Darren’s memory.
Meanwhile, co-organiser Francis Callaghan thanked
everyone who helped make the evening a huge hit.
"Obviously an event like this, attracting 400
guests, can't happen without the help of a lot of
people .Thanks to all for making it a such a big
success," said Francis.
For more photos from the event,
click here . |
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