Little Ronan McGavigan tragically died on Sunay in car accident
A fundraising drive launched to help the family of little Ronan McGavigan who was knocked down and killed in Derry over the weekend has almost hit £3,200 in just 24 hours.
At 5 pm this evening, the fund total was sitting at £3,171 – over three times what the target was set at.
And Creggan born footballer James McClean and his new bride Erin chipped in a very generous £1,000 to the fund last night shortly after it opened.
Two-year-old Ronan was hit by a car on Sunday afternoon near the Brandywell football stadium on Lone Moor Road.
He is thought to be one of six children of Laura and John McGavigan from the city.
They live on the street where Ronan died in the tragedy.
It is understood the young boy was chasing his ball onto the road when he was struck by a Citroen
Well-wishers who have been left devastated by the toddler’s death have set up a fundraising page in order to “help the family with any expenses that may arise”.
On the JustGiving page, Tina Divin said: “On 17th July, little Ronan tragically lost his life at only 2 years old.
“I’m setting up this page in the hope that it will help his family with any expenses that may arise within the coming weeks.
“Our whole City is shocked and saddened with this news today, and we are all grieving your loss. Thoughts and Prayers are with you all. RIP Ronan (Ro Ro) x x x”
Her target was originally £1,000.
But the generosity of the public in Derry and beyond knows no bounds and that total has now treble in size.
The family’s parish priest said he was out playing and enjoying the sunshine when he ran out onto the road.
“No words can begin to appreciate what the parents feel or lessen the pain that they’re suffering,” Fr Eamon Graham said.
The police have spoken to the driver of a silver Citroen Picasso.
Fr Graham spoke to the child’s parents on Sunday evening.
“It’s almost like they are looking at it from outside because the enormity of it is so great that how do you begin to come to terms with it?
“By all accounts Ronan was just a lovely boy, full of the life and devilment that a two-year-old would be.
“They’re not long back from a family holiday,” said Fr Graham, “I suppose they are trying to hold on to those good memories of what they had together.
“As I went over last night there was just complete silence on the Lone Moor road.
“As I said to his mummy yesterday evening, focus on the good that he has done in his short life and knowing that the community in Derry and the outpouring of support that is there will be ongoing,” Fr Graham added.
Sinn Féin councillor Patricia Logue also expressed her sympathies to the boy’s family.
“It is a tragic and very personal loss for them,” she said.
“They are in our thoughts and prayers at this time, as they are trying to come to terms with such dreadful news.”
Little Ronan McGavigan who was knocked down on Sunday and died in hospital of his injuries
