Go Fund Me set up to repatriate local man's remains raises over €40,000

A fundraiser has been established by Ballycumber GAA Club to help repatriate the remains of the late Ian Flanagan.

Ballycumber GAA issued the following statement with the Go Fund Me link: “With the permission of Ian’s family, we have decided to set up a GoFundMe account to show our support to Ian and his family at this time. Sadly, Ian passed away a few days ago in New Zealand. His family, friends and neighbours are in shock and sadness at this news.

“The fact that Ian is so far away from home and his family at this time, makes the situation all the more difficult for the family and all concerned. Ian’s family are travelling to New Zealand to bring him home to Ballycumber. Our community would like to show support for the Flanagan family at this time. We express our sympathy to them on this sad news.”

The local GAA club is hoping to reach a target of €50,000 and managed to raise an incredible €44,130 in five days since setting up the fundraiser.

A representative for Ballycumber GAA said that the support that they have received so far is amazing. “We're flabbergasted to be honest. It (the fundrasier) took off. It shows the goodness of people.

According to the club rep, Ian lived down the road from the GAA club and was very good friends with many of the club's players. He moved to New Zealand in recent years.

“We really want to cover the cost for the family and help the family to get him home. It comes back to the generosity of people.” The GAA club would appreciate if people can give anything they have to the fundraiser to support Ian's family at this time.

To donate to the fundraiser find the link for the Go Fund Me here.