Keeping Kevin’s memory alive

Kevin Dunne sadly passed away on February 1, 2024, leaving behind his family, friends and a huge circle of people who loved him dearly.

Kevin’s friends wanted to find a special way to remember him, and with his love of motorbikes being such a huge part of his life, the Memorial Bike Run was born. It gives his family, friends and the wider biking community the opportunity to come together to remember Kevin, celebrate his life and raise money for a worthy local cause.

This year’s event is particularly poignant as Kevin would have celebrated his 40th birthday on September 10.

Kevin’s good friend Jason Hickey said: “We are doing the bike run as a way of remembering a great man who was taken from us far too soon. Kevin loved his bikes, so it’s a fitting way for us to remember him, celebrate his life and keep his memory alive.”

One of Kevin’s close friends, Tadhg Ryan, said: “Kevin Dunne was a loyal friend, a great person, and a man who was happiest with the throttle open and the open road ahead. Kevin’s passion for motorbikes was a huge part of who he was, bringing him endless joy and a community of lifelong friends.

“Especially this year, to mark his 40th birthday, we are hitting the road and coming together to celebrate his life and the incredible impact he made on all of us. We want to keep Kevin’s memory alive the only way he would want, by coming together as a group of his family, friends, wider biking community and with the roar of the engines he loved so much.”

CHARITY DONATIONS

Last year’s Memorial Bike Run was a tremendous success, raising over €9,000. Kevin’s family chose Tipperary Friends of the Animals as the charity to benefit from the event, and they were incredibly grateful for the generosity and support shown by everyone who took part and donated.

This year, Kevin’s family have chosen Suaimhneas Cancer Support Centre, Nenagh, as the beneficiary, and they are delighted to be able to support such a worthwhile local organisation in Kevin’s memory.

For Kevin’s family and friends, the Memorial Bike Run is about much more than fundraising. It is a day to remember Kevin, share memories, celebrate his life and bring together the people who knew and loved him.

Kevin’s love of motorbikes continues to bring people together, and the roar of the engines on the open road is a fitting tribute to a man who found so much happiness on two wheels. The family and friends would like to thank everyone who supported last year’s event and everyone who continues to support the Memorial Bike Run. Their generosity means so much and helps ensure that Kevin’s memory continues to live on.

The Kevin Dunne Memorial Bike Run takes place on Saturday, September 19, at Hickeys Bar, Silvermines (E45C850). Registration is from 1.30pm, with the run departing at 3pm. Everyone is welcome to come along, take part or show their support.

There will be food, a raffle and music afterwards in Hickeys, with music from Dave Richardson and WoodStock. Camping is also available, and donations are on registration, cash only.

All proceeds will go to Suaimhneas Cancer Support Centre, Nenagh.