Family Fun Day in Wilkinstown to remember much-loved farmer

Wilkinstown Community Centre is gearing up to hold its annual family fun day this Sunday, 4th August which is being held in memory of David McAteer who died in a tragic farm accident last year.

This is a free event but a raffle is being held in conjunction with the family fun day and an idonate page has also been set up to raise funds for Embrace Farm and Wilkinstown Community Centre.

David, a farmer from nearby Castletown, lost his life in a farm accident on 20th June 2023 leaving behind his heartbroken wife Zoe who was pregnant at the time with son Loughlin, and children Dáithí, Alannah and Tadhg. Embrace Farm supports those affected by farm accidents, and funds raised will go towards the organisation, as well as Wilkinstown Community Centre.

The event takes place from 12 noon to 4pm with music by Old Bale, and among the attractions will be a rodeo bull and a dunk tank with Wilkinstown NS principal James Mimmock first in line for a dunking. Nobber Fire Service will also be there with their fire engine and there will be unicorn rides for children, a wing van, ice-cream van and more.

Tara Smith, PRO of Wilkinstown Community Centre said: "This year's event is an extra special one as it is in memory of David McAteer. David died tragically in a farming accident on June 20th 2023. I approached David's wife Zoe earlier this year and asked her can this year's Family Fun Day be in memory of 'Macker', as David was known. Zoe is a valued committee member and we wanted to make this year's family fun day all about making memories and we hope everyone can join us on the day."

A monster raffle will also take place on the day with over €4,200 in prizes to be won, all these prizes have been generously donated by local businesses.

Tickets are €10 each and can be purchased on the day. Tickets can also be purchased at the Buí coffee dock or from any committee member in advance of the family fun day.

Zoe would like to personally thank everyone involved in the event. She said: "Thanks to the community centre and all the committee, all the businesses who supported, all those who are planning to attend and all those who bought raffle tickets and donated. It's all going to go to two great causes Embrace Farm and WCC."

David's widow, Zoe spoke to the Meath Chronicle back in May about the day her family's life changed forever and why she now wants to keep safety to the forefront of farmers' minds.

'If you step in the wrong place, you don't get a second chance'