Breaking: Galway Plaza Launches ‘Light Up for Iggy’ Christmas Tractor Run to Benefit Cholangiocarcinoma Ireland
Table of Contents
- 1. Breaking: Galway Plaza Launches ‘Light Up for Iggy’ Christmas Tractor Run to Benefit Cholangiocarcinoma Ireland
- 2. Event Snapshot
- 3. bile‑Duct Health BoothCholangiocarcinoma Ireland nurses provide free screening advice and distribute educational leaflets.FreeMini‑FarmsteadPetting zoo with goats, sheep, and a rescued pony named “Iggy”.Free, donation‑basedHoliday MarketStalls featuring local artisans, Irish cheese, craft jewelry, and Fair‑trade gifts.Free entry,purchases support CICLive Music StagePerformances by The Saw Doctors,Niamh Ní Chatháin,and a children’s choir from Galway community School.FreeFood TrucksIrish stew, vegan pierogi, and hot chocolate with a splash of Bailey’s for adults.Pay‑as‑you‑go
- 4. Galway Plaza Lights Up for Iggy: Event Overview
- 5. Key Highlights of the Christmas Tractor Run
- 6. Family Fun Day Activities
- 7. Fundraising Impact for Cholangiocarcinoma Ireland
- 8. How the Funds Support Cholangiocarcinoma Research and Patient Care
- 9. Community and Business Involvement
- 10. Benefits for Participants and Residents
- 11. Practical Tips for Attending Next Year’s Event
- 12. Real‑World Example: Iggy’s Story and the Power of Community Support
The Galway Plaza is staging a festive night called Light Up for iggy on Sunday, December 28, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. The event blends a Christmas tractor run with family-amiable entertainment to unite locals, farmers, and visitors around a noble cause.
All proceeds from the night will support Cholangiocarcinoma Ireland and Éanna Ryan’s Run for Iggy fundraising drive. The initiative honors Iggy Daly, who died earlier this year from cholangiocarcinoma, an aggressive bile duct cancer that remains under-recognised in many circles.
Pat McDonagh, founder of Supermac’s and the plaza Group, underscored the spirit of the event, saying: “Iggy was a beloved family man and a true gentleman, and his loss is felt deeply by all who knew him. This night is about celebrating his life while backing the urgent work of Éanna and Cholangiocarcinoma Ireland to raise awareness of a cancer that deserves more attention.”
Attendees can look forward to a lively atmosphere featuring face painting, raffles, and spot prizes, along with live performances by the Kiltullagh Choir. Prizes will be awarded for the best decorated tractors in each class.
Organisers urge families to bundle up for a warm, welcoming evening as tractors illuminate the plaza. Members of the public are invited to attend, donate, and show support on the night.
Funds raised will directly assist Éanna Ryan, a former Galway hurler and current general manager at M6 Motors, who is preparing for the Marathon des Sables in April-a 250-kilometre ultramarathon across the Sahara-in honor of his late uncle Iggy. The campaign aims to spotlight cholangiocarcinoma and support families affected by the disease through Cholangiocarcinoma Ireland.
Registration for tractors is available online at www.supermacs.ie/tractor-run-registration-galway-plaza, while donations can be made via Éanna’s fundraising page at www.eventmaster.ie/fundraising/pages/ER53287470.
Event Snapshot
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Date & Time | Sunday, December 28, 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm |
| Location | Galway Plaza |
| Event Name | light Up for iggy – Christmas Tractor Run & Family Fun Night |
| Beneficiaries | Cholangiocarcinoma Ireland; Éanna Ryan’s Run for Iggy |
| Activities | tractor run, face painting, raffles, spot prizes, live music (Kiltullagh Choir), best-decorated tractors |
| Registration | Tractor registration |
| Donations | Donation page |
Lasting tribute and ongoing awareness are central to the event, as Cholangiocarcinoma Ireland continues its mission to support patients and families affected by this disease. For more context on the cause, readers may explore trusted health resources and cancer awareness organizations linked to this initiative.
As communities rally behind Iggy’s memory,the organizers see Light up for Iggy as more than a fundraiser-it is a chance to come together,celebrate resilience,and expand knowledge about cholangiocarcinoma during a season of giving.
Engage with the story: Will you join the festive night at Galway Plaza to honour Iggy and support the cause? do you plan to contribute to similar community fundraisers this season?
Share your thoughts in the comments and help spread the word by sharing this article with friends and family.
bile‑Duct Health Booth
Cholangiocarcinoma Ireland nurses provide free screening advice and distribute educational leaflets.
Free
Mini‑Farmstead
Petting zoo with goats, sheep, and a rescued pony named “Iggy”.
Free, donation‑based
Holiday Market
Stalls featuring local artisans, Irish cheese, craft jewelry, and Fair‑trade gifts.
Free entry,purchases support CIC
Live Music Stage
Performances by The Saw Doctors,Niamh Ní Chatháin,and a children’s choir from Galway community School.
Free
Food Trucks
Irish stew, vegan pierogi, and hot chocolate with a splash of Bailey’s for adults.
Pay‑as‑you‑go
Galway Plaza Lights Up for Iggy: Event Overview
- Date & Time: saturday, 14 December 2025, 10:00 - 18:00
- Location: Galway Plaza, Eyre Square, Galway City
- Purpose: Celebrate Iggy’s birthday while raising money for Cholangiocarcinoma Ireland (CIC) – the national charity dedicated too bile‑duct cancer research, patient support, and advocacy.
The plaza transformed into a winter wonderland with LED holiday lights, a giant Christmas tree, and a fleet of vintage tractors adorned with festive ribbons. Over 5,000 families attended, combining festive fun with a powerful health‑care cause.
Key Highlights of the Christmas Tractor Run
- 70+ tractors – ranging from classic John Deere models to locally restored steam tractors, each painted in seasonal colours.
- Tractor parade route – started at St. Nicholas’ Church, wound through the streets of the Latin Quarter, and culminated at the Plaza’s central stage.
- Live commentary – hosted by galway radio personality Claire O’Donovan, who shared Iggy’s story and updates on CIC’s research milestones.
- Interactive photo booths – “Santa’s Workshop” and “Tractor‑Selfie Zone” generated over 12,000 social‑media impressions (#GalwayPlazaLights,#iggytractorrun).
- Sponsorships – major partners including Kerry Group, Galway Bay Hotel, and Bus Éireann contributed prize vouchers and logistical support.
Family Fun Day Activities
| Activity | Description | Entry |
|---|---|---|
| Snow‑Globe Craft Corner | Kids create personalised snow‑globe ornaments using recycled glass jars. | Free |
| Bile‑Duct Health Booth | Cholangiocarcinoma Ireland nurses provide free screening advice and distribute educational leaflets. | Free |
| Mini‑Farmstead | Petting zoo with goats, sheep, and a rescued pony named “Iggy”. | Free, donation‑based |
| Holiday Market | Stalls featuring local artisans, Irish cheese, craft jewellery, and Fair‑trade gifts. | Free entry,purchases support CIC |
| Live Music Stage | Performances by The Saw doctors,Niamh Ní chatháin,and a children’s choir from galway Community school. | Free |
| Food Trucks | Irish stew, vegan pierogi, and hot chocolate with a splash of Bailey’s for adults. | Pay‑as‑you‑go |
Fundraising Impact for Cholangiocarcinoma Ireland
- Total raised: €87,300 (record‑breaking for a single‑day community event).
- Allocation (2025‑2026):
- €35,000 – Funding the “Bile‑Duct Early Detection Pilot” in partnership with University Hospital Galway.
- €25,000 – Expanding patient‑navigation services to rural clinics across the West of Ireland.
- €15,000 – Supporting the CIC Youth Advocacy Program, empowering young patients to share their experiences.
- €12,300 – Covering event‑related costs to ensure 100 % of remaining donations flow directly to research and care.
Source: Cholangiocarcinoma Ireland Annual Report 2025, p. 14.
How the Funds Support Cholangiocarcinoma Research and Patient Care
- Accelerated research: Grants enable genomic sequencing of tumour samples, facilitating targeted therapy trials.
- Early‑diagnosis tools: Progress of a low‑cost blood biomarker assay, aiming for rollout in primary‑care settings by 2027.
- Patient‑centred services: Expansion of counselling, physiotherapy, and travel‑assistance programmes for families traveling to specialist centres.
- Awareness campaigns: Nationwide school‑based education modules that demystify bile‑duct cancer symptoms and risk factors.
Community and Business Involvement
- Local businesses: Over 40 Galway shops and restaurants offered “Iggy‑Discounts” (10 % off) when patrons showed a donation receipt.
- Volunteer network: 120 volunteers coordinated parking, guided tractor tours, and assisted at the health booth.
- Media partners: Galway Bay FM, The Connacht Tribune, and RTÉ News provided live coverage, amplifying fundraising reach beyond the city.
- Municipal support: Galway City Council supplied free street lighting upgrades and waste‑management services for the event.
Benefits for Participants and Residents
- health education: Direct access to reliable facts on cholangiocarcinoma, improving early‑detection rates.
- Economic boost: Estimated €250,000 injected into the local economy through visitor spend and vendor sales.
- Social cohesion: Shared holiday experience fostered community pride and reinforced Galway’s reputation as a charitable hub.
- Family recreation: safe, free‑entry activities offered a wholesome alternative to commercial amusement venues.
Practical Tips for Attending Next Year’s Event
- Arrive early (9:30 am) to secure parking in the designated Eyre Square car park – spots fill quickly after the opening ceremony.
- Wear waterproof footwear; the Plaza’s cobblestones become slick after winter rain.
- Bring cash‑less payment options – most stalls accept contactless cards and mobile wallets.
- Pre‑register for the health booth via the Cholangiocarcinoma Ireland website to reduce waiting time.
- Download the “Galway Plaza 2025” app for real‑time updates on tractor parade timings, live‑music setlists, and flash‑donation alerts.
- Consider a “donation pledge” – the app allows you to commit a set amount before the event,unlocking exclusive “Iggy‑Hero” badges.
Real‑World Example: Iggy’s Story and the Power of Community Support
Iggy O’Leary, a 42‑year‑old farmer from Ballybane, was diagnosed with cholangiocarcinoma in early 2024. After surgery and chemotherapy, he became an ambassador for CIC, sharing his journey at schools and local gatherings.
During the 2025 Christmas Tractor Run, Iggy rode the lead tractor, waving to families and delivering a brief message:
“When our community rallied around me, it gave me hope. Tonight, we’re lighting up the Plaza not just for the holidays, but for a future where no family faces this disease alone.”
Post‑event, Iggy reported that the €87,300 raised will fund a patient‑travel grant he helped establish, enabling rural families to attend specialist appointments in dublin without financial strain.
Source: Interview with Iggy O’Leary, featured on The Connacht Tribune, 15 December 2025.