A YOUNG truck driver who died in a forklift accident last year is to be remembered this week as a truck run involving upwards of 80 vehicles and benefiting three charities will take place in west Cork.
Ross O’Donovan (29), Bandon, Co Cork, died on January 14th, 2009. He devoted his life to trucks and a decision was taken at his removal to bring him from his residence by truck. His remains were then followed by truck convoy to a funeral home in Bandon.
Mr O’Donovan was also brought by truck from the funeral home to St Patrick’s Church in Bandon again escorted by a truck convoy. His funeral Mass was attended by, amongst others, a large section of the trucking community in Ireland.
To honour his memory, a truck run will take place this Saturday with trucks departing Bandon to Clonakilty and Dunmanway and then back to Bandon.
Participating truck drivers are each paying a €50 entry fee, which will include refreshments and spot prizes. All proceeds on the day will be donated to three local charities – St Michael’s Centre in Bandon, Bandon Day Centre and a local fund for the elderly.
The truck run is being organised by Noel O’Regan and Gerry Deegan, who were friends of the late Mr O’Donovan.
Mr O’Regan has appealed to truck drivers interested in participating to contact him for more information.
“Ross was well known in the truck community. His own brother Gary is also a truck driver. On the day there will be prayers and the blessing of the trucks at 11.30am by a local priest at Bandon GAA grounds. We will head off then on the truck run and then back to Bandon for refreshment at the GAA pitch. It is friends and family and colleagues but anyone who wants to do it is welcome.”
Meanwhile, Mr O’Donovan has been remembered at a number of trucking events in the last year. Last August in Portlaoise saw the inaugural presentation of the Ross O’Donovan trophy for the best-kept truck at the annual Charity Truck Show.
Mr O’Donovan participated in the truck show in 2008. His family made the journey to Portlaoise from their Bandon home for the event.
Anyone interested in participating in the truck run this Saturday is asked to contact Noel O’Regan on 086 2747633.