Declan and Brian Boyle winners of the Donegal International Rally 2014
BY SEÁN P. FEENY
THIS weekend stars of the local rally scene will travel to Arranmore where a family fun day will be held in aid of a very special cause. ‘A day for Tadhg’ at Arranmore holiday village is in aid of a young Dublin boy who hopes to be able to walk in the near future.
Tadhg Kelly (4), the son of Jonathan Kelly (Sandyhill Gardens, Ballymun) and (Lahardane, Mayo), Clonsilla, has spastic diplegia cerebral palsy. The nephew of Arranmore resident Jim Muldowney, he cannot walk or crawl, so his only way to get around the house is to pull himself along the floor. Tadhg’s parents hope to raise €80,000 so their son can have life-changing surgery in St. Louis, Missouri, that will give him his wish to walk.
The money will cover the cost of surgery and the intensive long-term physiotherapy needed afterwards, so that Tadhg can reach his full potential. Organiser, Thomas Costello said when he first heard about Tadhg he felt the urge to try and help by organising a fund-raising event on Arranmore.
Gary Jennings celebrates winning the 2012 Donegal International Rally.
Thomas told the Donegal News that last year’s Donegal International Rally winner Declan Boyle, Leitirmacaward, will be in attendance with his winning car. Despite seeing his car go on fire last weekend, Thomas said, popular Fermanagh rally driver and current Donegal International Rally champion Garry Jennings will also be attending.
There will also be a host of other well-known rally drivers coming to the event, which will include a Honda Run and a vintage rally led by Ardara Vintage Car Club. Thomas said: “I was speaking to Declan, Garry and several other drivers after this year’s rally and all of them expressed a willingness to help out in any way they can.”
As well as the runs around the island, there will be a barbecue, musical entertainment and much more in the holiday village from 1pm onwards. Thomas expressed a special thanks Seamus and Louise Boyle (Arranmore Fast Ferry) who are ensuring that all the display vehicles are being taken care of.
If you would like to find out more about Tadhg Kelly’s story and the fund-raising campaign, go to the Facebook page ‘Tadhg’s Wish To Walk’. Anybody wishing to bring their own vintage car over for the fun family day out is invited to contact Thomas on Mobile 087 860 8776 for any details.