The 6th March marks the 50th anniversary of the death of Hugh “Boogie” McDaid, a young man from Ramelton killed on the night of his 21st birthday. Hugh is remembered by all who knew him as a unique character. A larger-than-life personality, never far from mischief but who always had a big heart. He was the only son of Kathleen and Hugh (known to all as Tudy), but had six doting sisters: Jennifer; Eileen; Grace; Dolores; Fiona and Anne-Marie. The family lived in Quay House, Ramelton, overlooking the idyllic Lennon River and a stone’s throw from McDaid’s bottling store, where Tudy worked and Hugh worked part-time. Looking back, Hugh’s surviving sisters say that despite Hugh being ahead of his time in many ways, they don’t remember any big disagreements in the house between him and his parents. Although sister Grace does remember one early Sunday morning when her mother lifted the roof with a yelp after reading a note left by Hugh informing her the family car was in a ditch somewhere, and asking her not to wake him because he was tired from having to walk home.As the North West 10k heads towards the magical €1 million mark the two benefitting charities for the 2025 charity run and walk were named at the launch on Monday night in the Mount Errigal Hotel. Chairperson Neil Martin confirmed that Multiple Sclerosis Donegal Branch and Donegal Horizons will be the beneficiaries from an event that has raised nearly €984,000 for 40 charities over the past 27 years. The 28th event will take place on Bank Holiday Monday, May 5th in Letterkenny and it was officially launched by NW 10k Vice-Chairperson Nancy McNamee. The Mayor of the Letterkenny/Milford Municipal District Cllr Gerry McMonagle was also in attendance along with Cllrs Donal Coyle and Thomas Sean Devine along with Eamonn Bonner from the Donegal Volunteer Centre who provide invaluable support to the Committee on the day. Over the next 12 weeks, the chosen charities will be out in force, fundraising and increasing awareness of the vital work they do supporting people across Donegal. The overall total raised since the 10k started is now €983,924. So the Committee hopes to reach the €1 million mark this year. It will be up to the two charities to take on that challenge with the support of the North West 10k organisation. All monies raised stays in Donegal to benefit local organisations that are doing so much good work.
