€55k Raised for Killian Spain, Rath, Birr, Co. Offaly

Friends of Killian a committee formed in June 2010 to help raise much needed funds for Killian Spain who is a 5 year old boy from the parish of Eglish/Drumcullen, who was born with a rare medical condition (Posterior Urethral Valves) which affected his bladder and kidneys function. He underwent surgery when he was 5 days old in Crumlin Children’s Hospital in Dublin and has had several major surgeries since then. He was referred from Crumlin in March ’11 to a specialist in London for treatment and has been attending since.

The committee organised a door to door campaign with twenty prizes to be won. The main prize was a 1980 International 444 Vintage Tractor which was won by Paul Harte Broughal Kilcormac Co. Offaly.

The Committee would like to extend their sincere thanks to all who bought tickets that contributed to the 55k be collected. To all members of the public who sponsored prizes for the draw, to the Hall committee for organising refreshments on the day of the draw, to the Old Time Vintage Club for organising a tractor run, to Kelly’s Pub Birr for organising a table quiz and to Drumculllen GAA for the use of their Club House for weekly meetings.

Malcolm and Colleen Spain parents of Killian also would like to express their appreciation to all who contributed to the fund and a special word of thanks to Friends of Killian Committee.

L to R: Friends of Killian Committee members presenting Paul Hate (centre) with the keys of a 1980 International 444 Vintage tractor. L to R Cllr: John Leahy, Patrick Spain, Rody Carroll, Paul Harte (winner) Killian Spain, Malcolm Spain, Declan Murray and Tony Nugent (ticket seller). Committee members missing: Paddy Keating, Peadar Nugent, Luke Spain, Seamus Nolan and Eddie Spain

Prizes and winners