Louth community colours the day for brave Clíodhna and St John’s Ward

The Blackrock community has raised an incredible €27,000 for St. John’s Ward after locals rallied around St. Francis NS student Clíodhna Diamond who was diagnosed with the rare childhood cancer Ewing’s Sarcoma in May 2024.

Throughout her journey, she often said she “felt loved,” reflecting the care and compassion of the staff at St. John’s Ward, CHI Crumlin, who guided her and her family through a challenging year.

Clíodhna and her family recently handed over a cheque to St John’s Ward, CHI Crumlin, following a hugely successful Colour Run organised by the Parents Association (PA) of St Francis NS, Blackrock. The event, held on May 4th, saw the community come together for a fun-filled day that raised an incredible €27,000.

Clíodhna’s mother, Ciara Nic Gabhann, expressed her family’s gratitude for the support: “This is well beyond our expectations! Clíodhna's family is absolutely delighted that the Parents Association's Colour Run has been such a success. Go raibh míle maith agaibh to you all for your support in raising such a phenomenal amount for St. John's Ward, Crumlin. Agus go raibh míle maith agaibh to Elise and her team on the PA for the trojan work they put in to making the Colour Run a great day's fun for so many and for ensuring that the fundraiser had the best possible outcome. Absolutely amazing!”

She added: “Clíodhna's family is so grateful to all who contributed to making the Colour Run possible and to making it a great success! We are very thankful to our amazing school community, family, friends, sponsors and businesses who all made it possible for us to give back to St John's Ward, CHI Crumlin. A special thank you to Elise, her team and the Parents Association of St Francis NS who were the driving force behind the venture and ensured everything went like clockwork. Go raibh míle maith agaibh!”

Clíodhna & mum with Oreena Lawless, Principal & Elise Kierans, Parents Association St Francis NS, Blackrock with Catherine Sheehan CHI Foundation, Crumlin 

The school’s PA, led by Elise Kierans, Chairperson, organised the event to give back and honour Clíodhna’s journey.

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Elise Kierans described the day as “a vibrant, joy-filled event where our community came together in support of a cause that's so close to our hearts: St. John's Ward (Oncology) in Crumlin Children's Hospital.” She continued, “We are absolutely delighted to announce that we raised a phenomenal €27,000 through ticket sales, online donations, bucket collections, bake sales, loom band sales, a teddy bear sale and raffle ticket sales! From the bottom of our hearts, THANK YOU to everyone who ran, walked, cheered, donated, volunteered, bought tickets, or simply showed up - you made this event truly special.”

The day was supported by local businesses, volunteers, and a host of community members who helped bring the Colour Run to life. Elise paid tribute to Clíodhna, saying: “Clíodhna, your strength and resilience are an inspiration to us all. We are with you every step of the way.”