Tractor Run planned in memory of Laois man

Friends and Family of Ballacolla man Seán Clear have organised a Tractor Run and raffle in his memory. 

Seán Clear, 24, tragically lost his life while working on machinery in New Zealand on February 17, 2023.

Seán, who loved machinery, farming and cars, had worked in Australia for a few years before returning home and travelling to New Zealand in the Autumn of 2022 prior to his death in February 2023.  

“We lost our beloved Seán in February of 2023 while he was living his dream, working and travelling the world.  His final destination turned out to be New Zealand,” the fundraiser set up by Seán’s friends and family states. 

“The realisation of how far away from home he was, was both daunting and heartbreaking.  We were lucky to be able to contact The Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust quite quickly, one phone call to Colin got the ball rolling to bring our boy home,” the family and friends wrote.   

“We can never thank them enough, for the help they were to us, at the worst time of our lives.  All we can do is ensure that there are funds in place for the next family who find themselves in these horrific circumstances.  Many thanks for your support,” they said. 

Seán’s fundraising raffle has already raised thousands of euros for the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust but is still a little off its target and remains open until February 17. 

The Tractor and Truck Run will take place on the anniversary of Seán’s death on Saturday, February 17. Registration takes place in Clough/Ballacolla GAA grounds at 3pm. The Tractor and Truck Run will be followed by the raffle and music and entertainment in Coach O’Learys. 

Anyone who wishes to support the fundraiser by entering the raffle can do so on this link: https://www.idonate.ie/raffle/FriendsofSeanClear

The fundraiser will benefit the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust. Colin Bell established the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust after his son Kevin died in tragic circumstances in America eleven years ago. Since then, the organisation has helped repatriate the remains of around 2,000 Irish people who died while overseas.

The charity doesn’t receive any State funding and relies on donations and fundraisers such as the one being held in memory of Seán Clear.  Details of the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust can be found here: https://kbrtrust.com/about-kbrt/