A LOVING sister who cycled 660kms for her late brother raised thousands of Euro for charity.
Ronan Roddy sadly passed away, aged 47, at Donegal Hospice in January 2023.
His sister Louise, who is a school vice-principal at Bruckless National School, cycled from Ireland’s most southerly point Mizen Head in Cork up to the country’s most northerly point at Malin Head to raise funds for Donegal Down Syndrome in his memory.
In recent days, Louise handed over a cheque for €15,075.
A painting that the late Ronan Roddy painted and presented to Donegal Down Syndrome with the cheque presentation from Louise and her parents Phil and Maureen.
She told the Donegal News: “I would like to thank everyone who helped make ‘Smiles and Miles for Ronan’ so special.
“I was totally overwhelmed by the generosity and donations received. The kindness and community spirit shown to me was truly incredible.
“It would be impossible to thank everyone individually, but a very special thank you to Donegal Down Syndrome, Finn Wheelers Cycling Club, Mac’s Deli. and Finn Harps for all their support.
“To my wonderful family and friends who were behind me every step of the way, a huge thank you.”
Louise Roddy presented a cheque for over €15,000. Included receiving the cheque for Donegal Down Syndrome were Nicole, Garoid, and Eileen with Louise’s parents Phil and Maureen and brother Liam. Photo: Brian McDaid.
The Roddy family, from Stranorlar, were incredibly proud of Ronan, who worked for 26 years at Letterkenny’s award-winning Mac’s Deli, where a photo of Ronan proudly hangs on the wall.
A spokesperson for Down Syndrome Ireland said before the cycle: “Ronan was a much loved member of Donegal Down Syndrome and is remembered with great affection by so many.”