‘It was a great honour to our son Killian’
Image 1 of 2
Over 500 vehicles took part in Killian’s Tractor run on Sunday. Inset: Killian Casey.Image 2 of 2
The late Killian Casey’s parents Martin and Fiona Casey pictured about to release balloons in Killian’s memory to start Killian’s Tractor Run in Kilnaleck on Sunday in aid of Temple Street Children’s Hospital and Irish Community Air Ambulance. See page 41 for more photos. Alex Coleman.Over 500 vehicles participated in a tractor run at the weekend in memory of the late Killian Casey (15) from Crosserlough, who lost his life a year ago after getting into difficulty on Lough Sheelin.
Killian's Tractor Run took place last Sunday, July 24, in memory of the popular young man, and generated more than €10,000 in support of organisations that tried to save his life.
The convoy set off from Dr Plunkett Memorial Park, Crosserlough and included a range of vehicles from tractors to trucks and motorbikes, despite the wet weather.
The run brought together friends, family, neighbours and even strangers who all wanted to keep the memory of the Crosserlough lad alive.
Speaking to the Celt, Killian’s mother, Fiona Casey, expressed her gratitude to all those who supported the event: “We would like to thank everybody that took part, it was an amazing success. It was a great honour to our son, Killian.
“I would also like to thank everyone involved, all our volunteers, sponsors, our club and our neighbours and friends for helping us.”
The money raised at the event is still being counted, however all the proceeds will be given to Temple Street Children's Hospital ICU Department and the Air Ambulance Service who both played a vital role in an effort to save Killian’s life.
“We can never thank them enough,” says the Casey family.
Registration for the event cost €20 per vehicle, which means at least €10,000 was made for the deserving charities.
The teenager tragically lost his life after getting into difficulty while swimming in Lough Sheelin last summer. Killian was rushed to Temple Street Children's Hospital on July 20, by air ambulance, where he spent two days.
“He passed away on the Thursday [July 22], around 7pm. They’d done all they could, and more,” says Fiona.
Speaking about his son prior to the run, his father Martin said: “Killian was all about being good. He always wanted to help everyone. So in this way he’s still helping.”
Killian’s family thought a tractor run would be the perfect tribute to their son as he had a keen interest in farming.
“Killian had a great interest in tractors and machinery. He’d always tell you he hadn’t but it was coming out in him certainly,” grins Martin, who bought a Ford 8210, which his son suitably nicknamed ‘The Beast’.
“That was Killian’s tractor and the first thing he bought for it was a window sticker that read ‘Drive her like you’re late for Mass’. That was Killian, full of fun!”