Two outstanding cancer survivors and dedicated volunteers have been awarded Relay for Life Donegal’s highest honour.

Unsung heroes Eileen Tourish and Ena Barrett both received the Gordy Klatt Award this week in recognition of their unwavering dedication to the fundraising event.

The annual Relay, which took place in Letterkenny in May, concluded with a special ceremony last night where €150,025.54 was presented to the Irish Cancer Society.

On Monday, teams, entertainers, schools, volunteers and many more were celebrated for their efforts in raising this phenomenal sum during the 12th annual Relay.

Standing ovations were given to the Gordy Klatt recipients.

Gordy Klatt award recipient Eileen Tourish at the cheque presentation night for the Donegal Relay For Life in the Mount Errigal Hotel. Photo Clive Wasson

Eileen Tourish from Stranorlar is a steadfast supporter of the Relay through candle sales.

In the lead-up to each event, Eileen is a regular feature in shops all over the Twin Towns, selling Candle of Hope bags in memory of those who have battled cancer and those lost to the disease.

Eileen sold an incredible 950 candles this year and shows no signs of stopping!

Gordy Klatt award recipient Ena Barrett at the cheque presentation night for the Donegal Relay For Life in the Mount Errigal Hotel on Monday. Photo Clive Wasson

Ena Barrett, a founding member of the Relay for Life Donegal, is a survivor of breast cancer who went on to work for the Irish Cancer Society.

In the past year, Ena has dealt with the return of cancer after 17 years. Despite stepping back from Relay, she remained an invaluable source of guidance for the committee and new Chairperson Seamus Devine.

Seamus said it was his “greatest privilege” to see Ena visiting this year’s event.

“It would not have been Relay without you,” he said.

Graciously accepting her award on behalf of all survivors, Ena said it has been a poignant year: “When cancer comes knocking on our door, it’s not an easy thing to accept.

“This time around for me it wasn’t easy. But that’s the reality. It can stop you in your tracks. It stops your family and your friends because they are devastated for you. Nobody wants to see anybody’s cancer return.”

Ena, who has lost two brothers to cancer, spoke of the vital importance of research and described all survivors and volunteers as ‘heroes’ for playing their part in fundraising.

“This is why we all Relay, whatever role we have to play, the money that is earned, I firmly as a survivor believe we need the services of the Irish Cancer Society and we need research.”

Realy for Life team members, Volunteers and committee presenting the €150,025. 54 to Ciara Hughes Irish Cancer Society in the Mount Errigal Hotel on Monday. Photo Clive Wasson

The Irish Cancer Society spent €279,000 in Donegal last year on a range of supports and research initiatives. In 2023, donors funded 221 nights of night nursing for 63 patients in Donegal, 655 volunteer drives to bring 74 patients to and from chemotherapy, 145 counselling sessions and 908 contacts to the support line.

The Relay for Life Donegal has raised over €1,825,000 for the Irish Cancer Society since its inception in 2012.

As the 2024 event concluded, the committee announced the dates for the 2025 Relay for Life. Mark your calendars for May 24th and 25th, 2025, to join in this inspiring event and continue supporting the fight against cancer.