Fundraiser launched in memory of O’Connor family surpasses €10,000
By ArdeePost Reporter
A community-led fundraiser has been launched in memory of the late Mark, Louise, and Evan O’Connor, whose tragic deaths in Drumgowna, County Louth, earlier this week have left the local community in deep shock and mourning.
The fundraising initiative, organised through GoFundMe, has already surpassed €10,000 and will benefit two local organisations that played a central role in the life of 27-year-old Evan O’Connor — The Hub Praxis Care Drogheda and Drogheda ABACAS School. Both centres were instrumental in Evan’s development, social life, and daily routine.
Organisers say the donations will be shared equally between the two organisations to support their ongoing work with young people and adults with additional needs.
Tributes to Evan
Staff at Praxis Care, The Hub, where Evan had been attending for the past nine years, described him as a “bright shining star” who was loved and adored by all who knew him.
“Evan had built great relationships with staff in The Hub and was well known and adored around the local community of Co Louth since starting with us at the age of 18,” their statement read.
They highlighted Evan’s enthusiasm for activities including swimming, aqua aerobics, and yoga, as well as his joy for simple routines like weekly trips to McDonald’s or Roma in Dundalk. His cheerful singing on the 100x bus route between Drogheda and Dundalk was fondly remembered, especially his rendition of the Kaiser Chiefs’ Ruby.
“Evan was such a bright, jolly young man with so much to offer life, always finding a way to cheer everyone up just by being around,” the statement continued. “We are heartbroken at his passing, along with his wonderful parents, Mark and Louise.”
A grieving community
The O’Connors, described by neighbours and gardaí as an “integral part of their community,” were found dead in their home on Monday morning. Their loss has been described as “numbing” by local parish priest Fr Gerry Campbell, who said the tragedy has deeply shaken the close-knit Tallanstown and wider Louth community.
While funeral arrangements have yet to be confirmed, messages of sympathy and support have poured in for the surviving family and friends.
Supporting local services
The fundraiser will provide crucial support to organisations that played such a central role in Evan’s life, ensuring that others in the community can continue to benefit from their care.
Community members are being encouraged to donate and share the link to help honour the memory of Mark, Louise, and Evan.