Eamonn’s Vision is realised

LATE last month, the first event for a charity set up in the name of the much-loved traditional musician, Eamonn Nugent, was celebrated, raising in the region of £5000.

Eamonn’s Vision was established under the umbrella charity of Brain Tumour Research after his passing at the age of 31 on October 30, 2024.

Originally from Bellshill, Eamonn moved to Galway to study ophthalmology and it was there that he met the love of his life, his wife Sarah. They married in July 2024, but a few short months later, Eamonn lost his gallant battle with a high-grade astrocytoma (brain tumour).

While Eamonn’s musical prowess was widely known in Scottish and Irish music circles, his legacy was further cemented in December 2024 when his album, The Waiting Room, took the top prize of Album of the Year at the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards ceremony in Inverness. Proceeds from the album—in the thousands—were donated to Brain Tumour Research UK and Brain Tumour Ireland.

Now, thanks to his loving family, that charitable legacy will take pride of place alongside his musical one.

“We had a ladies afternoon tea in The Bellingham Suite in Bellshill and it was a huge success,” Ciara McAlpine, Eamonn’s sister, said. “The room was filled with such kindness, support, and generosity and it means so much to myself, Sarah, my mum and the rest of the family—more than we can put into words.

“We received so many donations from raffle prizes to cakes and we appreciate it all so much. The kindness people have shown has been unbelievable.”

Eamonn’s Vision was set up to continue his legacy and showcase his strength, his determination, and his belief that there is always more we can do to help others.

“He was my big brother, and I am so incredibly proud to be his wee sister,” Ciara said. “He had a way of lifting people, of staying positive even when life was at its toughest, and he was always thinking about others.

“Brain tumours are something that sadly affect so many families—often without warning. Yet despite that, research into them is still underfunded compared to other cancers. That’s why supporting Brain Tumour Research —and initiatives like Eamonn’s Vision—is so important.”

The money raised will go towards helping to fund vital research, raising awareness, and bringing hope to families who are going through what Eamonn’s did.

“Events like this aren’t just about fundraising, they’re about coming together, having a laugh, supporting one another and making a real difference at the same time,” Ciara enthused. “And that’s exactly the kind of thing Eamonn loved—people coming together with positivity and purpose.

“Eamonn always believed in staying positive and in doing more, and that’s exactly what we will continue to do in his name.

“We still can’t believe how much money we raised and we honestly can’t thank people enough from the bottom of our hearts it really means so much to us and hopefully we can make the ladies day a yearly event.

More events are being planned to take place in Galway and Scotland in the near future.

To find out more about Eamonn’s Vision visit: www.braintumourresearch.org/blogs/our-fundraising-groups/eamonns-vision.

To donate, visit: www.justgiving.com/campaign/eamonnsvision