Tinryland lights raises over €27,000

A CHRISTMAS lights display in Tinryland has raised €27,164 for two charities in memory of Ryan Kearney, a 15-year-old from Leighlinbridge who passed away in July 2025 following a short illness.

The funds, raised during the 2025 Christmas season, will be split equally between Cara Rescue Dogs and Oscar's Kids Ireland, two charities chosen by Ryan's family.

The fundraiser, which has been running for six years, has now raised a total of €84,024 for various causes.

In an online post announcing the total amount raised, Tinryland Christmas lights organisers said Ryan’s family – parents Sinead and Dave, and siblings Laura and Adam – expressed gratitude that Ryan’s memory was honoured through support for the two charities.

‘Sometimes in life, the people we love become the stars that guide us through the dark,’ the post read. ‘This year, the darkness brought light to a very dark time. Ryan’s memory lives on in all who knew and loved him.’ The organisers described the achievement as ‘something amazing came from tragedy,’ adding they were ‘absolutely thrilled’ given the challenging financial year many people faced.

Cara Rescue Dogs thanked donors and organisers, saying: ‘Ryan’s journey has created a legacy within Cara Rescue Dogs and he will always be a part of us. There will be ample dogs’ lives saved because of you all.’ Childhood cancer charity Oscar’s Kids Ireland expressed their ‘most heartfelt thanks,’ adding: ‘Most of all, thank you Ryan for this gift to help other wonderful kids.’ Among the contributors were three transition-year students from Presentation de la Salle school in Bagenalstown ‒ Abby Cody, Lexie Power and Emma O'Hara, who donated €200 from their mini company Baking Spirits Bright in memory of their friend and classmate.

Dozens of local businesses, organisations and individuals supported the fundraiser through donations, raffle prizes and other contributions.