Mayo garda takes on Sunshine Cycle in memory of Little Blue Buddy Saoirse
A MAYO garda is undertaking a charity cycle in memory of his Little Blue Buddy, Saoirse Duggan, on the first anniversary of her passing.
John Monaghan, a Community Garda at Claremorris Garda Station, is taking on the Chase the Sun Challenge, cycling 340 kilometres, from sunrise to sunset, on Saturday, June 20.
He has named his event Saoirse's Sunshine Cycle in memory of three-year-old Saoirse Duggan from Spotfield, Bekan, Claremorris, who unfortunately passed on June 15 last year having bravely battled leukaemia.
Saoirse was an Honorary Garda in Little Blue Heroes and was John’s Little Blue Buddy. John has chosen to raise funds for Little Blue Heroes, a charity An Garda Síochána is affiliated to, which supports families of children with serious illness in Ireland.
The international Chase the Sun event will see John start his cycle at sunrise (4.45 a.m.) from Belfast and he has to chase the sun for the day, arriving in Enniscrone by sunset (10.15 p.m.) - a total of 340km - on Saturday.
Saoirse was a vibrant, beautiful little girl whose bright smile and kind nature touched everyone who knew her. In her three short years she brought endless joy, laughter, and love to her family and friends, with an infectious positivity, a cheeky sense of humour and a giggle that could light up any room. Her smile rarely left her face and she had a special way of lifting everyone around her, said her mum, Martina.
Diagnosed with leukaemia at 19 months, Saoirse fought bravely, overcoming a bone marrow transplant, but sadly relapsed in July 2024. Despite these challenges she remained her kind, caring, clever and full of life self, always ready for fun and new adventures.
Saoirse was the adored daughter of her proud mother Martina and her late father Tommy and a cherished big sister to Éabha. She brought love, strength, and light into her family everyday.
Little Blue Heroes held a special place in Saoirse's heart, Martina has recalled. She adored being part of her Little Blue Hero family and wore her Honorary Garda uniform with pride.
She proudly got to be the guest of honour and to be in the lead car in the 2025 Claremorris St. Patrick's Day parade alongside her Big Blue Buddy John.
“Little Blue Heroes created treasured experiences and memories for Saoirse and her family that will forever be cherished, which is why supporting this incredible charity in Saoirse's memory means so much to us,” she said.
Little Blue Heroes Foundation is funded entirely by donations and fundraising and all donations are appreciated. The link to donate is idonate.ie/JohnsCycleforSaoirse.