Funds donated to ward at CUH

Niall’s parents Daithi and Sheila McGillycuddy (centre, right) presenting CUH Ward 2 nurse managers Anna Marie Ahern and Lucy McDonnell with a cheque for €12,126 with, in front, Niall’s pals Neil O’Shea, Eoghan O’Sullivan, Evan Looney and Ruaíri Doyle and, centre from left, Hugh Rudden, Deputy Principal, St Brendan’s College, Deirdre Doyle, Elanie Moynihan, Joanne O’Sullivan and Ella Murphy with at back, Seán Coffey, Principal, St Brendan’s College, Kieran Herlihy, Padraig Looney, Emmett O’Shea, Michael Lenihan, Johanna Crowley and Niall’s sisters Ellen and Jane McGillycuddy.
Picture: Michelle Cooper Galvin

FRIENDS and school buddies of a popular Killarney teenager, who passed away in 2018, have honoured his memory by donating an impressive €12,126 to a hospital.

Niall McGillyduddy, a talented young sportsman, was just 16 years of age when he lost his battle with leukaemia in October of that year but his pals were determined to remember him by doing something worthwhile for Cork University Hospital where Niall received much of his treatment.

Students from St Brendan’s College – where Niall was a pupil – joined forces with students from Killarney Community College, the Monastery and Holy Cross Mercy to organise a Christmas jumper day and they raised sponsorship through the initiative. Although it was held last December, Covid restrictions meant that the funds raised couldn’t be presented to Cork University Hospital until now.

Niall was a star player with Killarney Legion, Killarney Celtic FC and St Paul’s Basketball Club and he was widely acknowledged as one of the most talented young sportsmen in the county.