An Inishowen man is to run the Dublin Marathon in aid of Brain Tumour Research and in honour of his ‘kind’ and ‘loving’ late father.

Shane McGonagle is from just outside Buncrana and is one of three sons to Tina and the late Hugh McMonagle.

Seven years ago this month, Hugh sadly passed away from a brain tumour at the age of just 56.

His untimely death not only devastated his family, but also the local community, who held him in fond and high esteem.

Hugh was well-known throughout Buncrana and Inishowen, through his involvement in various fundraisers and for his caring and helpful nature.

Shane, who has worked in the Radiology Department of Letterkenny University Hospital since returning back home from London in 2020, said every step of the marathon will be for his father.

“When he passed, it left us a family totally heartbroken and lost.

“Our Dad was the most kind, caring, loving father you could ask for.

“Anyone that ever interacted with him always went away with a smile.

“He was unwell on and off for over 27 years. However, when diagnosed with a brain tumour at the start of August 2019, it would be his final fight.”

Hugh had previously raised money for charity, including over 20,000 euro for Beaumont Hospitla back in 2009.

Shane told how his father was also a dedicated family man.

“He enjoyed nothing more than helping out where he could – be it giving back to the community through organising clean ups, being it helping with Christmas shoebox appeals, or even simply helping a friend around the house or with some sort of paperwork.

“He enjoyed nothing more than spending time with our mum Tina, us three boys and the rest of his family and friends.”

Shane said that when it came to choosing a charity to benefit from his participation in the Irish Life Dublin Marathon, the family chose Brain Tumour Research.

“Brain tumours steal so much from families, yet research into finding a cure remains chronically underfunded.

“Every step of this 26.2 mile journey is for him, for his strength, his love and the memory he has left behind.

“I’m raising money for the Brain Tumour Research Charity so that one day, other families won’t have to experience this heartbreak.

“I myself wanted to do something to give back on Dad’s behalf.

“On October 25th I’m running the Irish Life Dublin Marathon 2026 for a charity that means a lot to our family.”

Shane has never ran a marathon before and admits he is both ‘petrified and excited at the same time’.

“I’ve been training hard doing half marathons and running challenges with my friends.

“A massive thank you to everyone who donated, shared, and cheered me on through this journey.

“To all my family, friends, community and work colleagues and those of my Mum’s, and brothers.

“It’s been a great help – thanks so much.

Shane said he will be honoured to ‘be able to hand over all the donations to the brain tumour research, in loving memory of our dear Dad Hugh.’

The Irish Life Dublin Marathon takes place on Sunday, October 25th.

You can donate to Shane for Brain Tumour Research by clicking here.

Original source: ie