Over €56,000 raised for hospice through Roscommon Cannonball Run fundraiser

A Cannonball Run 2, in honour of Tommy Joe Hennigan, has raised €56,310.63 for Mayo Roscommon Hospice, four times over the goal of €13,000.

The event, which took place on Sunday, August 3rd from Kilbride, brought together the community in a show of support for men’s health awareness, while honouring Tommy Joe, who has been facing prostate cancer with remarkable courage and strength.

The tractor run commenced from Kilbride Community Centre and concluded at Rattigan’s Bar, Kilrooskey with participants choosing between 30km and 60km routes on the day.

The funds raised will help Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation provide essential palliative care services to people with life-limiting illnesses and their families.

Roscommon man Paul Foxe, chairman of the Hospice Foundation, who attended the recent cheque presentation, thanked everyone involved, from the organisers to the participants and fundraisers.

“It was a hugely successful community event, run with passion and purpose, and to raise four times the goal is a testament to the generosity and strength of our community.

“The funds raised will make a real difference to the lives of patients and families who rely on our support,” he said.

Organisers Damien Hennigan and Lydia Rattigan expressed their delight at the community response: “Tommy Joe is the kind of man who brings people together, always up for a bit of craic and never one to shy away from making people smile.

“When he faced his prostate cancer diagnosis, we knew we wanted to do something that would honour his spirit while raising awareness for men’s health and supporting a cause that’s now deeply personal to all of us. The response from the community exceeded all our expectations, and we’re thrilled that this event could make such a meaningful contribution to the Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation.”