Three years, one special community, and more than €38,000 raised for the Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation.
What began as a family’s way of saying thank you has grown into one of the most heartwarming annual fundraising events in County Mayo. The Lovely Lacken 5km Fun Run/Walk, Raffle and Auction was created in memory of Mary Farrell and in appreciation of the exceptional care she received from Mayo Hospice during her final days.
Since its launch in 2024, the event has raised an incredible €38,104.30 for the Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation, bringing together family, friends, neighbours, local businesses, and supporters from far and wide in support of a cause that touches so many lives.
A Tribute Born from Gratitude
Following the passing of their beloved mother Mary on April 19th, 2023, after a brave battle with illness, siblings Sarah, Patricia, and John Farrell wanted to find a meaningful way to give back to the hospice that cared so compassionately for her.
The idea was simple: organise a community fundraiser that would celebrate Mary’s life while supporting Mayo Hospice. A 5km fun run and walk, combined with a raffle and auction, seemed like the perfect fit.
The event was named “Lovely Lacken” after a phrase Mary often used in the days before she passed away when speaking affectionately about her beloved home place. For the Farrell family, there could be no more fitting tribute.
The venue was an easy choice too. Bessie’s Bar, the heart of the Lacken community, became the home of the fundraiser and has played a central role in its success ever since.
2024: A Dream Beginning
The inaugural Lovely Lacken fundraiser took place on Mary’s first anniversary in April 2024.
Blessed with glorious sunshine, more than 200 participants turned out to take part in the run and walk along the beautiful Kilcummin Peninsula. The day exceeded all expectations.
A highlight of the event was the auction of Rosie the calf, generously donated by Leo and Adrienne Loughney, alongside a signed Irish rugby jersey donated by Lacken’s own Caelan Doris.
The event quickly gained attention, with a memorable video of Caelan leading Rosie into Bessie’s Bar for the auction capturing hearts across social media.
The results were extraordinary:
- Rosie the calf sold for €1,500
- The signed jersey sold for over €700
- More than 30 prizes were donated by local businesses for the monster raffle
- Over 200 people participated in the run and walk
By the end of the day, the fundraiser had generated a remarkable €13,304.30 for Mayo Hospice.
2025: Rain Couldn’t Stop the Community Spirit
Following the overwhelming success of the first event, the Farrell family decided to make Lovely Lacken an annual tradition, held each year on Mary’s anniversary.
The weather in 2025 was a stark contrast to the previous year, with persistent rain throughout the day. Yet the community spirit shone through.
More than 120 people braved the conditions to take part, demonstrating the support and affection people continue to have for both the cause and Mary’s memory.
Leo and Adrienne Loughney once again generously donated a calf for auction, this time named Charlie, while a Galway Races package added further excitement to the auction.
Despite the challenging weather, the event raised an outstanding €10,800.
2026: The Biggest Year Yet
This year’s fundraiser, held on April 19th, 2026, brought Lovely Lacken back into the sunshine.
With over 160 participants taking part in the run and walk, the atmosphere was vibrant from start to finish. The community once again rallied behind the event, contributing prizes for the hugely popular raffle and supporting the auction.
Among the standout auction items were:
- Chloe, a beautiful Hereford heifer donated by Leo and Adrienne Loughney
- A signed Mayo jersey donated by James Carr
- Tickets to the sold-out Manchester United vs Leeds United at Croke Park fixture
With the sunshine encouraging everyone outdoors, the auction took place outside Bessie’s Bar, creating a wonderful atmosphere as supporters gathered to bid and contribute.
The result was the biggest fundraising total yet:
€14,000 raised in 2026.
Community Support Makes It Possible
The success of Lovely Lacken would not be possible without the incredible generosity of the local community, businesses, volunteers, participants, and sponsors.
A special word of thanks goes to W&R Barnett, who have supported the fundraiser over the past two years through their charity matching scheme, contributing an additional €4,000 to the overall total.
The event has also benefited enormously from the kindness of countless donors who have provided raffle prizes, auction items, sponsorship, and practical support each year.
More Than a Fundraiser
For the Farrell family, Lovely Lacken is about far more than fundraising.
It is a celebration of Mary’s life, a chance for friends and neighbours to come together, and an opportunity to honour a woman who was deeply woven into the fabric of the community through her work in the local post office and as Lacken’s postwoman.
Each year, the event brings people together in her memory while helping to ensure that other families continue to receive the exceptional care and support that the Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation provides.
As the Lovely Lacken fundraiser continues to grow, it stands as a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when a community comes together with a shared purpose. What started as a family’s thank-you has become a lasting legacy—one that honours Mary’s memory while making a real difference for families across the community.
Here’s to many more sunny days, community gatherings, and successful fundraisers in Lovely Lacken.
