Write a commentA Camlough family are hosting a novel New Years Eve Charity Fireworks display in memory of Ciara McKinley who died twenty years ago in a road traffic accident.
Oliver, Rose McKinley Family and neighbours are hosting the charity fireworks display in memory of their daughter, sister and friend Ciara.The display will take place on top of Camlough Mountain at 7.15pm and viewers are asked to enjoy it from their own home/garden and make a donation via WWW.JUSTGIVING.COM
All funds raised with will be donated between the chosen charities Fight for Alfie, Southern Area Hospice and Air Ambulance NI.
Ciara's brother Darren McKinley explains “It was August 2000, Armagh were about to play Kerry in the All Ireland semi final (Kerry went on to win by a goal). I was 15 at the time and buzzing because Armagh were doing well.
"The doorbell rang at 9am on the Sunday morning. We all knew that was out of the ordinary. It was the Police!
"My sister Ciara had been in a car accident and was critical. She passed away three days later. She was 20 years old, the oldest in the house and someone I looked up to.
"Her death didn’t define her though. She was well known for working in the quayside, Lough inn and town bar part time. She worked in Belfast for a government body during the week. She was bubbly, good looking and wild craic. To this day, many people can still reflect on a conversation or night out with our Ciara. She had this smile that was warm. It invited a conversation. "
The New Years Eve fundraiser will light up the South Armagh Sky remembering Ciara for the bright star she was on her 20th anniversary, whilst also raising some funds for important charities.
"Mum was keen to have an event to keep her memory alive. I don’t think there is any fear of Ciara being forgot about." adds Darren
Remembering the tragedy Oliver, and Rose McKinley said "On the 20th August 2000, our beautiful daughter Ciara Mary McKinley was taken from us as a result of a car accident. She was taken to Daisy Hill Hospital Newry where a precious 8 hours were lost, they then transferred Ciara to Royal Victoria Hospital Belfast at 3pm on the 20th August.
"These precious hours left us having to deal with the loss of a precious life of our beautiful daughter, deprived us of everything including birthdays, wedding day, Joyous Christmas periods and the gift of new life our grand children.
"This year is the 20th anniversary from Ciara passing and in Ciara’s memory we would like to do a Fund Raising event for ‘Air Ambulance’ in particular which have saved so many lives already and we want them to continue the great work they do to save further lives in the hope that less families will have to suffer. Our family hope that this money will make a difference and will help in a very small way to the further suffering our family continue to feel from the loss of a beautiful daughter, sister and friend."
You can Donate at WWW.JUSTGIVING.COM
