The parents of the late Declan Donohue Junior who lost his life at four years of age following a farming accident in Belmullet while visiting relatives, are honoring his memory and raising funds for the Embrace Farm charity which has helped to them enormously over the past three years.
Embrace Farm is a farming organisation which was founded by Brian and Norma Rohan, a farming family from Shanahoe in Laois in 2014. Brian and his wife Norma with extended family lost his father, Liam Rohan, to a sudden farm accident in 2013.
Sunday July 29 marked the third anniversary of the terrible loss of Declan and a Barn Dance in aid of Embrace Farm and honoring his memory will be held on Sunday August 5 in Glenamoy Hall.
The late Declan's mother, Geraldine Donohue, speaking about what the past few years have been like, stated: "On Wednesday July 29 2015, our lives changed forever. The little boy who brought so much joy to everyone, with his mischievous smile and devilment, a little boy with an old man's head on his shoulders, it was like he had been on this earth before.
"He loved visiting his relations in Ballinaboy, Belmullet, in Mayo on the family home farm, little did anyone know that Wednesday would be his last visit. Out of all tragedies, there should always be something positive, we want to keep "Little Deceen's" name and memory alive."
"Family have erected a monument, where Declan was pronounced dead on the Ballina Road, Belmullet and we have a memory garden in the back of our own garden in Galway. We want his new brother, named Noah Pia and our expected child in December, to always know Little Deceen. His 10-year-old sister, Julianna, still misses her brother dearly, and it is only now that she is receiving counselling from First Light (a parent and sibling bereavement charity ).
"There are not enough services or information on services, for bereaved parents and siblings who are left behind, to help them to live with the loss of their loved one.
Following the tragedy Geraldine received support from a social worker who later referred her to Margaret McGoldrick from First Light, Portmarnock, Dublin.
"Through Little Deceen's parting to Heaven, we have crossed paths with so many special people, who have also suffered the loss of a child in tragic circumstances. Things have happened along the way, which can only be sent from Heaven via Little Deceen."
At the Barn Dance there will be an auction on the night with sports memorabilia which includes a fully signed authentic Manchester United jersey, courtesy of Martin Donohue via Old Trafford, signed Mayo Football jersey, signed Galway Hurling jersey, signed Connacht Rugby jersey, signed Dublin 2016 commemorative jersey and an Ireland Rugby jersey courtesy of Embrace Farm.
Other great substantial prizes are on offer the night due to great support and sponsorship from Connacht businesses alike. Tickets for the event are priced at €10 with all proceeds going to Embrace Farm and can be obtained from the Belmullet Agricultural Show on Sunday, July,22 and local Belmullet outlets, also available on the night or contact (083 ) 8167462 or email [email protected] for more information.
