A major charity event is planned next month to honor the memory of Buncrana teenager Rocco McGinley, RIP, and support families in need.
To mark what would have been Rocco’s 18th birthday weekend, a charity ball will be held at The Inishowen Gateway on Friday, August 8th. Proceeds from the event will benefit Aoibheann’s Pink Tie and The Gavin Glynn Foundation.
Rocco, a student at Scoil Mhuire Buncrana, tragically passed away at the age of 15 after a two-year battle with terminal brain cancer.
Following a significant fundraising campaign, ‘Rocco’s Road to Recovery,’ Rocco was able to receive intensive treatment in Texas.
“The diagnosis was every parents’ worst nightmare,” shared his parents, Yvonne Hegarty from Rathmullan and Wade McGinley from Buncrana.
The charity ball aims to support other families facing similar hardships, particularly the financial strain of having to leave work due to a child’s serious illness.
“We tried so hard to save him,” Yvonne and Wade expressed in an emotional post.
Yvonne and Wade also acknowledged the immense support they received from around the world during their journey.
“In many ways those fundraising events locally and our trips to Texas were what got us through those dark days. Rocco met so many wonderful people who supported him and he was so grateful and overwhelmed by everyone’s generosity, as were we,” they stated.
“Rocco had an unwavering positive attitude and we were so proud of him, so very proud as we watched as he worked his way around the various events thanking people who were helping him on his journey.
“But as parents we were absolutely heart broken that we were here, in this situation with our amazing, kind boy who was so young and who had his whole life ahead of him.”
Two years after Rocco’s passing in February 2021, his 18th birthday will be commemorated with a special evening of remembrance and fundraising. Micky Doherty will serve as compere for the night. The musical lineup includes Jack Gill, Matthew Crampsie, the David James Band, We Love Sax, and a DJ. A charity auction, conducted by Mark McLaughlin, will also be held.
Rocco’s parents believe he would be happy knowing his legacy would help others.
“Rocco was everything you could want from a child, he was the light of our lives, the centre of our world. He was funny, charismatic and adored by his siblings and friends.
“Our hearts will never be whole again but with your support we hope this charity event held on Roccos 18th birthday will help other families and because of that we know Rocco would be happy.”
For ticket information, visit the Facebook page: Rocco’s 18th Birthday Charity Ball
Those who cannot attend are invited to donate online at: https://www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/Roccos18thcharityball1
Rocco’s family dedicates heavenly birthday to helping others was last modified: July 10th, 2025 by
