Achill teens smash target with €17,000 fundraiser
Two Achill teenagers have smashed their fundraising target for the Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation, raising 34 times more money than they originally sought. Tiernan Moyles and Shane Gallagher, both aged 14, decided to organise a tractor run in December, in the hope of gathering €500 for the charity. Instead, they totalled an astonishing €17,395.85.
The Mayo pair have always shared a love of agriculture and a passion for tractors and so, when they put their heads together to plan a fundraiser, it was only ever going in one direction. Amazingly, the event came together in just two-and-a-half weeks, with their families – and indeed the wider Island community – getting stuck in behind them, offering help and support every step of the way.
Tiernan and Shane were motivated to raise funds for the Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation following the death of Tiernan’s great-uncle John Toolis from Crumpaun, Achill, and Shane’s grandfather Vincent Gallagher from The Valley, Achill, at the Mayo Hospice in Castlebar. Both John and Vincent had received exceptional care at the facility and the teenagers wanted to do something to honour their memories, while at the same time giving something back to the organisation.
The Achill Agri Festive Run took place on December 28th, leaving from Ted’s at 4pm and journeying through Keel, Crumpaun, Ballanasally, Dugort, Valley and back to Ted’s, where refreshments were served. Almost 100 vehicles registered on the day, with a huge turnout of tractors, trucks and cars, all decked out and dressed up in Christmas regalia.
There were prizes on the day for the three best vehicles, as well as three lucky dips and a host of great raffle prizes. Between online donations, registration fees, raffle tickets and buckets, Tiernan and Shane – both students at Coláiste Pobail Acla – managed to raise a hugely impressive €17,395.85.
Of course, the fundraiser wouldn’t have enjoyed such tremendous success without the wonderful support from the community in Achill, and further afield. That said, none of this would have been possible without the enthusiasm, drive and passion from both Tiernan and Shane. Take a bow boys, you should be incredibly proud of what you have achieved.
