An emotional fundraiser in memory of the late Ronan Healy, who passed away tragically in 2021 after a road crash, leaving behind his wife Diane, infant son Caolán, family and many friends, is taking place in his native Ballyfarnon on Saturday afternoon.

Ronan, who was aged 40, was originally from Ballyfarnon, Co Roscommon and was living in Ballintogher, County Sligo, with his young family.

The Run for Ronan, who was widely popular and a much-loved member of both communities, will take place on Saturday, September 12.

The charity chosen by Ronan’s family and friends is Sunflowers Children’s Hospice. The remembrance walk and run will take place in Ballyfarnon from 3pm, with registration earlier in the day. There will a night out in Ballintogher later that day.

The Sligo Champion spoke to Diane Healy, Ronan’s wife, about the fundraiser and how it came about, marking five years since Ronan tragically lost his life in a road collision in Donegal, while he was on his way to work.

Already, close to €7,000 has so far been raised for the chosen charity on idonate.ie for the popular sportsman, who was a cherished member of his club, St Ronan’s GAA.

Diane said it was a lovely idea to bring the two communities of Ballintogher and Ballyfarnon together.

“It’s five years since Ronan’s anniversary, and it was something that was on the cards for us for a while that we were thinking about. We’ve always done something on Ronan’s anniversary, but this is the first charity-based event that we were hosting.

“The charity of choice that we’ve chosen is Sunflowers Hospice. They do tremendous work for children around Ireland, and we really, really want to support them.”

Ronan passed away five years ago, when their son Caolán was just nine months old. Caolán is now six years old and in Senior Infants.

Losing her husband has been incredibly difficult for Diane, and she said it is an ongoing journey. She credits the ‘tremendous’ support of family, friends and the wider communities around them.

Diane described Ronan as an amazing person who was very well known and very well liked, saying the void he has left in their lives is ‘massive’.

Ronan was just 40 years old when he lost his life. He worked with Abbott in Donegal and was on his way to work at the time of the tragic accident.

Diane said it was a freak accident and that Ronan was such a young man who was taken ‘far too soon’. It was absolutely horrendous for everyone to deal with, particularly with their son being so young.

The family have received great support from their community, she added.

“Ronan was always heavily involved in football and coached with his beloved St Ronan’s Club in Ballyfarnon. He definitely would have been involved in the management side of things as Caolán now begins his own football journey.

“A lot of money has already been raised, with all proceeds going to Sunflowers Hospice, a very worthwhile charity that supports children and their families throughout Ireland.”

The walk/run will take place in Ballyfarnon on September 12 from 3pm and will be a remembrance walk and run in Ronan’s memory.

Diane said she hopes people won’t take it too seriously, but that it will be great to see the communities of Ballyfarnon and Ballintogher coming together.

“It is a way of remembering Ronan five years after his death at such a young age. While five years may seem like a long time, it is still very difficult for the family to deal with, and Ronan has left a huge void for everyone, particularly his dad, PJ and his four brothers and sister.”

The family are hoping for a big crowd on September 12 to support the fundraiser in Ronan’s memory. “He was so well known and well regarded through both his work and football.

“Refreshments will be available afterwards in the hall in Ballyfarnon,” Diane added.

People can make donations through iDonate.ie.

Diane reiterated that Sunflowers Hospice is such a great charity and thanked all of Ronan’s friends and family who have been helping in the background to make the fundraiser a success.

“We really want to thank everyone for their support and we look forward to seeing everyone on Saturday to remember our beloved Ronan,” she added.