Monster vehicle run raises over €220k for cancer and suicide prevention charities

A MONSTER vehicle run that saw over 500 tractors, trucks and vintage cars take to roads around Bohermeen and Fordstown on Sunday has raised a staggering €220,000 for a number of cancer and suicide prevention charities.

'Richie and Catriona's Monster Vehicle Run Run in memory of Nikki Magee (nee Woods) and Sinead Ball' saw the noisy convoy depart McNally's Farm on the Navan Athboy Road for the approximately 30km local loop which saw every junction along the way thronged with well wishers and supporters, not letting unseasonal rain dampen spirits.

Such was the size of the colourful parade it took over three hours for the horn-blaring procession to get around the route and back to base at McNally's Farm where hundreds gathered to enjoy an afternoon and entertainment, auctions and activities.

The Monster Vehicle Run came about after three members of the close-knit Meath community, who faced major challenges and tragedies in the past few years, united to raise funds for cancer and suicide charities.

The three neighbours - Richie Farnan and Catriona O'Brien from Bohermeen and Gary Woods from Fordstown - came together to raise funds for the Mater Oncology Unit, Pancreatic Cancer Research, Meath Specialists Care Service, Beaumount Breast Cancer Clinic, Drogheda Oncology Unit. They also raised funds for Breast Cancer Ireland in memory of Gary's sister, Nikki Magee, and for Sosad Navan and Kells in memory of Catriona's sister, Sinead Ball.

Richie Farnan explains how he wanted to give something back following his diagnosis and treatment for cancer.

“I had never been in hospital in my life but my eyes have been opened since my diagnosis and I know the wonderful work the doctors and nurses are doing.”

A lorry driver, Richie recalls that last November he began having small pains in his stomach.

“It started to get worse and the food wasn't going down. I had blood tests and a scan and was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.”

Richie has just completed chemotherapy.

“I had a recent scan and it is shrinking so that is good news,” he said.

“The work the nurses do is amazing. They never get a break but they always have smiles on their faces.

It will be great to give something back.”

Gary Woods recalls his sister Nikki Magee was diagnosed with breast cancer in October 2021 and died in July the following year, at the age of just 43, leaving behind a husband and two young children.

“Nikki was a wonderful person. She worked with me as a safety officer and she was great.” Her death devastated the family. “It was like being stuck in a nightmare,” he said.

“We are very grateful for the care she got. She was treated in the Mater Private, but unfortunately we didn't get the result we wanted. She fought a courageous battle against breast cancer.

She had palliative care at home for the last two weeks,” he recalled.

“Some of the money will go to Breast Cancer Ireland who are all about research and raising awareness.”

Catriona O'Brien lost her sister, Sinead Ball, to suicide in September 2022.

“Sinead was 46-years-old. She was the life and soul of the area. She worked in McHugh’s shop and pub in Bohermeen.

“It was very hard, very sad. It is still a bit raw.

“Just four or five weeks later, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. In November 2022 I had a double mastectomy and reconstruction in Beaumont and started 20 weeks of chemotherapy in Drogheda in January 2023. That was followed by three weeks of radiotherapy in Beaumont. I am on tablets now to keep it at bay.”

In December 2022, just a month after Catriona's diagnosis, her mother, Teresa Ball was also told she had breast cancer, but is now doing very well after treatment. Catriona's sister, Aine Fitzsimons was treated for breast cancer eight years ago and is doing very well now.

Catriona says her own diagnosis came as an awful shock, so soon after Sinead's death.

“I couldn't take it in. I was numb. It was like a whirlwind.

“I was delighted to get involved in the fundraising. They were brilliant in Drogheda where I had my chemotherapy and Beaumont were brilliant too, especially when it came to looking after the entire family and talking to my children about what was happening.”

Speaking after Sunday's spectacular event, Catriona said she was just "blown away" by the generosity of her local community and those further afield who supported the event.

"Never in my wildest dreams did I think we could do this. I really hoped and dreamt we could hit €100,000 but we hit that mark just ahead of the Monster Vehicle Run. It truly is amazing now it's heading over €220,000 and I'm exhausted but I can't thank people enough for what they did, especially Adrian McNally who allowed us to use his farm and yard for an amazing afternoon and gathering of vehicles. He did so much it was truly incredible."

"To all the volunteers, stewards, the brilliant bands who performed and the drifting display teams and everyone who gave up their time and effort, thank you so much."

Catriona says she is looking forward now to the cheque presentations to the charities close to the hearts of herself, Gary and Richie.

See more coverage in this week's paper and more photos.