Three brothers will cycle 713km in memory of their sister, Niamh Kelly Coughlan, who was a frequent visitor to the Louisburgh area, over five days from July 30 to August 3. They will be coming west on Wednesday, July 31 and then going through Louisburgh on to Limerick.
Niamh Kelly Coghlan (1972-2012 ) was Ayleen and Michael O’Malley’s niece and a first cousin of Larah, Crevan, Jarlath and Rory from Main Street, Louisburgh. Sadly, she passed away last August after a very short battle with cancer.
As a child, Niamh stayed near Carrowmore Beach with her parents and three brothers in the late Mrs Friel’s mobile home. As a teenager she loved Old Head and trips to Clare Island and Inishboffin. Niamh rarely missed a disco in Lecanvey or a night out at Skamps. Most school holidays were spent in Louisburgh with family and friends.
Niamh continued that tradition when she started her own family. In fact Niamh was on Carrowmore Beach with her husband, Garvan, and daughters Ava and Grace two weeks before she died. On leaving Louisburgh she bought ice creams for her girls in Kenny’s Newsagents and walked down the street to say goodbye to her Aunty Ayleen. Despite her illness Niamh was full of life and had great optimism for the future. No one could ever have imagined that this was going to be her last visit.
The cyclists are expected in Louisburgh around lunch time on Wednesday, July 31. The Kellys will be accompanied by Patrick Lowery and Vincent Byrne, two teachers from St Brigids NS, Castleknock as far as Galway. Niamh was a valued member of the teaching staff at St Brigids for many years.
If you would like to support this once off event please go to ww.mycharity.ie/event/cycleforniamh and make a donation. All funds raised will be donated to the Mater Breast Health Unit. All donations and support will be greatly appreciated.
