Linda Dunican, centre, with her late husband Kieran’s mother, sisters, and brother: Orlaith Coleman, Laura Cummins, Eileen Dunican and Peter Dunican, at the presentation in Moate of €48,737 raised for Irish Heart Foundation from the recent ‘Jump for Kieran’ event. Photo Paul Molloy

Skydive in memory of Rosemount's Kieran Dunican raises over €48,000 for charity

Adrian Cusack

Published: Wed 11 Oct 2023, 4:30 PM

Last updated: Wed 11 Oct 2023, 4:35 PM

The success of a recent skydive in memory of Rosemount's Kieran Dunican surpassed all expectations, with a total of €48,737 raised for the Irish Heart Foundation.

A cheque for this sum was handed over to the charity in Moate's Grand Hotel last Friday evening, and representatives of the Irish Heart Foundation said they believed it was the largest single amount fundraised for it by a non-corporate campaign.

Kieran Dunican was just 41 years of age when he died from sudden cardiac death on September 8, 2022.

His wife, Linda, organised the 'Jump for Kieran' skydive in which she and 24 others took part in Clonbullogue, Offaly, on August 26.

Linda Dunican (nee Heavin), centre, with Eamon Heavin, Rosaleen Heavin, Ger Heavin and Ryan Heavin at the ‘Jump for Kieran’ Irish Heart Foundation fundraiser cheque presentation of €48,737 in the Grand Hotel, Moate. Photo: Paul Molloy

Two representatives of the Irish Heart Foundation, Ash Conway and Muireann Collins O'Regan, travelled to Moate for the cheque presentation on Friday, September 29.

They outlined the ways in which the money raised would be used to help cardiac and stroke patients who are going through rehabilitation, and how it would also support heart health awareness programmes.

Linda Dunican receiving flowers from Ash Conway and Muireann Collins O’Regan, of the Irish Heart Foundation, at the presentation in Moate of the €48,737 raised for the charity from the recent ‘Jump for Kieran’ event. Photo Paul Molloy.

Linda Dunican said the success of the fundraiser had been "mindblowing" and she wanted to express her gratitude to everyone who donated or helped out in any way with the 'Jump for Kieran' event.

"It was nice to have something like this to focus on in the lead-up to Kieran's anniversary, because each day has been tough," she said.

"We had a lovely evening (at the cheque presentation) and I want to thank everyone in Moate, Rosemount and all of the surrounding areas for their amazing support."