Seamie Langan passed away tragically on October 5 2022 at the age of 19 after being hit with an aggressive form of bacterial meningococcal meningitis. Seamie grew up on a dairy farm in Ballygar, Co. Galway with his parents and three siblings.
He attended Ballygar primary school, followed by Coláiste Mhuire, Ballygar. On leaving school, he completed a Green Certificate in Agriculture and continued to work on his home farm, while also working with the family bale haulage business, where he encountered many farmers throughout the summer season. He loved farming and the outdoors, but he also loved life. He was full of fun and had many friends, both young and old.
On Sunday May 5, a tractor and truck run took place in Ballygar in memory of Seamie, organised by his friends and family. A huge crowd turned out to support the event on a glorious day when the sun shone down on Ballygar. The committee were assisted by a huge team of stewards who marshalled along the route. In addition, many volunteers acted as an administrative team working tirelessly throughout the day to ensure that the event ran smoothly. The vast number of tractors and trucks were captured in digital form by a number of photographers and videographers leading to extended coverage of the event on social media.
On that night, a fundraising auction was held outside Kenny’s Bar with a huge crowd in attendance. Auctioneer, Ivan Connaughton, did a superb job in successfully selling 60 auction lots in front of a keen twilight audience. LSL Auctions provided buyers with an option of viewing and purchasing online, with buyers tuning in from as far afield as the USA. The fundraising team are extremely grateful to the many sponsors of auction items, as well as those who purchased on the night. Thanks also to those who sponsored raffle and driver spot prizes, as well as those who supported and helped out with the raffle.
Funds were also raised via a Shine ‘em up for Seamie iDonate page with donations and well-wishing messages being received from far and wide. In addition, events such as non-uniform and jersey days, a bake sale and even a mini-tractor run were held in 13 local schools from pre-school right up to second level.
This multi-faceted fundraising initiative raised a phenomenal €100,652 for charity, exceeding everyone’s expectations. A presentation took place in Kenny’s Bar, Ballygar on Saturday 20th July, the eve of Seamie’s 21st birthday. Michael Fitzmaurice TD performed the role of MC on the night and €25,163 was presented to each of the four beneficiaries.
Charities supported were as follows: ACT for Meningitis which aims to raise awareness and educate society about the signs and symptoms of meningitis; Rosabel’s Rooms which provides support to bereaved families following the death of a child; the ICU department of Portiuncula Hospital, Ballinasloe, where Seamie was so lovingly cared for; and Ballygar graveyard, Seamie’s final resting place. Siobhan Holohan (ACT for Meningitis ), Dr Suzanne McClean (Rosabel’s Rooms ), Charlotte Carter (Clinical Nurse Manager, ICU Portiuncula Hospital ) and Mary Geraghty (Ballygar Graveyard ) expressed their gratitude as they accepted the donations on behalf of each of the beneficiaries.
The Shine ‘em up for Seamie fundraising campaign was made possible by the incredible support of Seamie’s family, his friends and neighbours who together were the driving force behind this initiative. In addition, the assistance and expertise provided by the Ballygar Truckin’ committee proved crucial in ensuring the successful organisation of both the run and the auction. The Shine ‘em up for Seamie fundraising committee are extremely grateful to all the people who worked tirelessly to make this event such an overwhelming success, too numerous to name. A huge thanks to the many people from near and far, as well as the numerous businesses and schools who generously donated to the cause.
This fundraising initiative was the epitome of community spirit and is a testament to the many hearts that Seamie touched, from young to old, over his nineteen years. It is hoped that the funds raised will act to raise awareness around meningitis and help to support other families, while also keeping Seamie’s memory alive.
