A cheque for €13,600, the proceeds of a very special fundraising event was presented to the Drogheda Alzheimer’s Tredagh Lodge Day Care Centre on Saturday last.
The event, a football match called “Locky’s Legends”, was a huge success which raised over €13,000 for The Drogheda Alzheimers Branch in memory of a wonderful man Brendan “Locky” Loughran.
Locky, the legendary kit man and steadfast Drogheda United fan lost his battle with dementia in August 2020 and, with his beloved players in mind, his family organised a charity football game in his honour. The players that he loved so much, returned to United Park for what many fans reckoned was the game of the year!
At Saturday’s presentation the Loughran family thanked Damien Kavanagh, the sponsors, the volunteers, and the attendees on match day, for helping raise such a significant sum. Most importantly to the players that hold a special place in Locky’s heart forever. A further €941 was presented to Drogheda United.
The General Manager of Drogheda United, Hubert Murphy, said the club was honoured to be involved in the Locky’s Legends match.
“So many great names from the past came out to both support the club and also recognise the great man Brendan Loughran was” Hubert said.
“He was the heart and soul of the club for decades and for the club to support Tredagh Lodge at the same time helps form a key part of our community focus.”
“We have to thank Damien and Iris Kavanagh and the Loughran family and all the others who gave up their time to make sure this was a success and a fitting tribute to Locky.”
Receiving a cheque for €941.20, from the proceeds of the Locky’s Legends match are Drogheda United club manager Hubert Murphy (left) and board member Niamh Leonard (right). Presenting the cheque are Lorraine Balfe (Nee Loughran), Mary Loughran, Christine Loughran and Shane Loughran. Photo: Andy Spearman.
Ann Shortt, Chairperson of the Fundraising Committee of the Drogheda branch of the Alzheimer’s Society said she was delighted to welcome the Loughran family down to Tredagh Lodge on Saturday morning.
“It was the first opportunity for their mum Mary to see the lovely new centre built and opened last year. It’s a cause close to their hearts and why they did a fundraised recently, Locky’s Legends in the Weavers Park with all the United players past and present. In memory of dear Brendan (Locky) Loughran a Legend in the football world.” Ann added that the money raised will be used for the proposed sensory garden at Tredagh Lodge.
