Memorial Fundraising Walk for Late Ballinhassig Resident Writes JJ Hurley
The untimely passing of the late Finbarr Crowley, Ballinhassig, twelve months ago, which left not alone his family numbed but also the entire community, is to be marked with a memorial 3k- fundraising- walk on Sunday April 2nd at 1pm in Kileady, Ballinhassig. Organised by his partner, Mary Lucy and his son, Ryan, the day’s event is very much a tribute to an individual who worked tirelessly to raise thousands of euro for a number of charities and organisations. Indeed the beneficiary of the upcoming event – Marymount Hospice, was one for which Finbarr regularly fundraised, including completing a cycle from Malin to Mizen in 2012. A keen sportsman, Finbarr was regularly on his bike, not just for the hospice foundation, but also for a number of Cork-based charities – including Tosnu and the Cope Foundation. Locally, he was very committed to the Ballinhassig GAA Club, Ballinhassig Camogie Club, Ballincollig GAA Club, Ballinhassig Cycle Club and Old Abbey Athletic Club, as well as being a founding member of the Crossbarry Motor Cycle Club and Kileady Vintage Club. Reflecting on the contribution of his late friend, John Crowley said: “Finbarr was involved in any amount of fundraising activities, always willing to give his time freely and unreservedly to anyone who sought his help.” While the past twelve months have been difficult for both Mary and Ryan, she described the upcoming walk as an annual event to carry on his legacy. Of course, it would not be a fitting memorial unless Finbarr’s two great passions of motorbikes and bikes did not make an appearance, with a run in both the two-wheeled transports featuring at 11am, returning just in time to take part in the walk. While there is no entry fee on the day, all participants are asked to make a simple contribution and/or purchase a ticket in what promises to be a special monster raffle at the Kileady venue. For more information log onto Facebook Finbarr Crowley Memorial Fundraiser