McCann family donates £17k to Daisy Lodge after ladies’ sevens tournament in memory of Siobhan

McCann family donates £17k to Daisy Lodge after ladies’ sevens tournament in memory of Siobhan

12 February 2020

A LADIES’ Gaelic football tournament held in memory of Clanvaraghan woman Siobhan McCann has netted a further £16,950 for Daisy Lodge in Newcastle.

It means that the centre — which provides holidays and supporters for children with cancer and their families — has so far benefited from a total of £66,950 of money raised in Siobhan’s name.

Siobhan (26), a talented and much-loved player and supporter of St John’s GAC, tragically died from cancer last May, less than a year after she was first diagnosed with cancer. 

A massive fund-raising effort by Siobhan’s friends and club community swung into action to pay for potentially life-saving immunotherapy treatment for her.

While Siobhan did benefit from some of the treatment, her family and friends opted to donate the remaining £234,432 to seven local charities and health groups last October. Daisy Lodge received £50,000.

The latest donation was raised at the Siobhan McCann ladies’ sevens competition, which wax hosted at St John’s last October and attracted 22 teams.

Lead fundraiser Cormac McMullan said the money was raised through club registrations, raffles, donations and the sale of 350 commemorative jerseys.

Paying thanks on behalf of the club committee to all members and volunteers who helped out, he said: “Although it would be impossible to name all those who donated time, raffle prizes, bought jerseys or contributed in any way, we acknowledge that in putting on this unique tournament we were able to honour the memory of our beloved friend and help families facing a challenging time. 

“We would sincerely like to thank all those teams and clubs who travelled to play in the tournament and made it such a special event.”

Cormac added his thanks to everyone who also supported Siobhan’s family during her illness and since her death.