Fight for Johnny’s Girls

Fight for Johnny’s Girls is a newly launched fundraising campaign for Jonathan McCowen’s wife and two young daughters, with the aim of providing funds to buy them a home and in turn, a secure future.

Last year Jonathan was living a “normal” life in Vancouver with his wife, daughter and another baby on the way.

Everything changed in September 2021 when Jonathan was diagnosed with ALS, a motor neuron disease for which there is no cure.

In less than a year his condition has deteriorated to the point that he cannot talk or walk.

He is fed via a PEG tube into his abdomen. Jonathan is a Portarlington, Co Laois native and a member of the Portarlington senior football team that won the county final in 2001.

Shortly after his ALS diagnosis, Jonathan came home to Ireland for a short visit and was delighted to be present to see the Portarlington senior football team win the county final again in November last year.

With the new baby arriving safely, Jonathan’s family and friends took it in turns to travel to Vancouver to support the family.

Johnathan’s friends have established this fundraising campaign.

More information can be found and donations can be made at www.gofundme.com/f/fight-for-johnnys-girls



John Gibbons Memorial Motor Run

Almost 200 vehicles gathered and over €10,000 was raised in the inaugural John Gibbons Memorial Motor Run in Connemara, Co Galway in May.

Tractors, trucks, cars and motorbikes of every description started in Leenane village, travelling to Letterfrack via Lettergesh and then onwards to Clifden town.

John Gibbons Memorial Motor Run. \ Aoife Herriot

Families, motor enthusiasts and friends of John gathered in the villages and along the road to see the procession ten years on from the passing of John, a much-loved turf-cutter and sheep farmer known throughout the Galway and Mayo regions for his love of all vehicles and great sense of humour.

There was a grand total of €10,971.39 raised, which was split between Connemara Therapeutic Riding and The Asthma Society of Ireland.



Killian’s Tractor Vehicle Run

Killian’s Tractor Vehicle Run is taking place on 24 July, starting at 11.30am from Crosserlough GFC Grounds in Co Cavan.

Funds are being raised for Temple Street Hospital and the Air Ambulance in memory of Killian Casey, who tragically drowned last summer.

There will be a halfway stop on the route at Ballyjamesduff Mart for refreshments.

All makes and shapes of vehicles are welcome.

Pre-registration costing €22.20 is available on www.eventbrite.ie.

For more information see Killian’s Vehicle Tractor Run on Facebook.



Your space

This is your space for charity events and good causes around the country you are involved in. If there is something you would like to submit, please email the details to aodonoghue@farmersjournal.ie