Tralee dedicates close of festival as “Donal’s day” in memory of late teenager

Donal's Day has been initiated by the people of Tralee in memory of Donal Walsh, who died last May from cancer.

The festival has teamed up with the Donal Walsh #Livelife Foundation and today a street collection will raise money for the charities and causes he espoused, such as providing age appropriate teenage facilities in hospital and hospice centres and promoting an anti-suicide message. The 16-year-old's parents Fionnbar and Elma Walsh are continuing his work.

Unbelievable generosity
"We're seeing unbelievable generosity and goodwill from people all over the country. Up to the time of Donal's death, he had helped raise €65,000, but that figure has now gone to more than €150,000,'' Mr Walsh said yesterday.

General manager of the festival Oliver Hurley said the way Donal touched the lives of so many people towards the end of his own short life ought not to be forgotten. "Donal's Day is our way of keeping his positive messages alive as well as offering funding assistance to teenagers suffering from serious illnesses," he said. The Tralee student was active in organisations in the town and was a member of Tralee Rugby Club.

Collections will be taken up at a number of events around Tralee during the day.