Ben for Barretstown

20/03/2026

Caragh National School ❤️

Ben & Ava both went to Caragh National School, but they didn’t get to attend at the same time - except for just ONE DAY - Ava’s induction day for Jr Infants in June, when Ben was just finishing 6th class. They were so delighted to be wearing the same uniform and walking to school together on that one special day. And what a wonderful happy place it turned out to be for them both….

I was there myself a week or so ago to chat to 5th class about Barretstown in advance of their annual bake sale for Ben & Barretstown ❤️, and what a lovely time I had. At the end of our chat I asked if they had any questions for me - expecting general questions about the bake sale. Instead hand after lovely hand was raised with -
When is Bens birthday?
What music did Ben like?
What was Ben’s favourite sport?
Did Ben win any trophies?

They totally caught me off guard with their kindness and empathy and it filled me with such joy to chat about Ben in a place that holds so many great memories for our family.

5th classes, we applaud you - what a wonderful group of young people you are. Thank you for your amazing energy and hard work. Today is Ben’s Birthday and what a fantastic birthday present you have given him from all your efforts - €3,017 for in his name!

Thanks to Alan, Emer, Aisling, the pupils , their families and the wider community of Caragh.

Thank you Caragh National School PCA for celebrating your students long after they have left the building ❤️

Happy Birthday Ben 🎈

24/01/2026

This Club 🎾❤️

Ben sure knew what he was doing joining CLTC all those years ago - even at the tender age of 10, he could sense the wonderful energy there and really wanted to be a part of it.

What a great start to 2026 - an amazing €2,023 raised with a bag pack for Ben for Barretstown ❤️ just before Christmas.

Particular thanks to Dunnes Stores Clane
and to Aisling, Orlaith,Tommy and the team of volunteers of all generations of giving up their valuable time in the busiest week of the year for Ben and 💕

Thanks too for the joy it brought to see Ben’s smiling face on the banner in Clane at Christmastime ❤️🎾

23/12/2025

Ben’s story is not over……

During his illness Ben started fundraising for Barretstown, so we are just following his lead….

This year, together with you our wonderful supporters, we have raised an amazing €25,000 - 25 in 25!!

This means so much. Thank you.

Some of the fantastic people and organisations which have contributed to Ben for Barretstown ❤️ in 2025:

Ben for Barretstown VHIWMM Team ❤️
Nagle




& Caragh community
Brid Hanly
Action Chimneys
Mapaex Ireland staff


Homesense Foundation



Thanks to Barretstown for their support in everything we do and for bringing the magic of camp to children and families every day.

Thanks to Kev, Ava, and Ben, for it all
❤️❤️❤️

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year everyone.

…..and so it continues…..into 2026 ❤️

08/06/2025

❤️
Ben loved this place.

There is something special here, created by so many kind and giving people…..
While I was there yesterday, Richie, Ben’s friend and coach, was working with the latest set of aspiring tennis players, the fun, laughter, learning, new friendships a sight to behold. Inspiring and nurturing a whole new generation of young people - they do it so well. I recall it all…..with Ben at the centre of it, many years ago….

Thank you to wonderful, dedicated Club President Mick Hennessy and all involved for this lovely event, for the newly painted bench, flowers beneath, the plaque on the wall, the Ben Heads at every turn. Thank you for your unwavering support and fundraising, enabling Ben, from a world away, to help other children with serious illness, through the magic of Barretstown.

Thank you, for continuing to celebrate Ben as you celebrated his every victory of the past.
Isn’t it indeed a great victory to be so strongly and beautifully remembered here more than ten years after you last stepped on the court 🎾💕

Gratitude.
Such gratitude to everyone at CLTC ❤️
And to Ben, for it all ❤️

22/05/2025

So grateful for this special event at Clane Lawn Tennis Club - Presidents Tennis Tournament for Ben & Barretstown❤️🎾

Hi all,

We are so looking forward to our next club tournament to celebrate president Mick Hennessys night, along with remembering our good friend Ben for Barrettstown.

If you wish to play on the night please book on clubspark.
Please note that as the draw is made in advance, we ask that players do not withdraw from tournament after we give the final call for entry🙏

Please BYOB and refreshments are always appreciated, thankyou.

Looking forward to seeing ye all on the 7th June.🎾💪 Ben for Barretstown Barretstown

04/05/2025

Very soon on 1 June we will take part for the amazing bringing fun & laughter to children with cancer and serious illness in Ben’s name ❤️

We would really appreciate any support - link below and in bio.

https://justgiving.com/campaign/benforbarretstown

02/05/2025

Thanks so much to 5th Classes and all the staff, pupils and families of Caragh National School for the Bake Sale in April raising an amazing €2,255!
The annual effort made by staff, students and families is very much appreciated, and will bring lots of joy to the children and families of Barretstown.
How special to have Ben celebrated here, at place he truly loved to be. Sincere thanks to all at Caragh NS for continuing to celebrate their students, long after they have left the building 💕

29/01/2025

✨TESCO COMMUNITY FUND ✨

So grateful to Wendy and all at Tesco Monread for selecting Ben for Barretstown ❤️ as one of their Community Fund Recipients!

Thank you to everyone who voted for us using your little blue tokens in-store - we really enjoyed seeing the full containers week after week!

Tesco have donated €775 to in Ben’s name, bringing fun, laughter & adventure to children with cancer and serious illness.

What a great start to our 2025!

31/12/2024

Ben’s story is not over…….his light continues to shine ✨

Even from another world, Ben is able to help other children with serious illness, through the magic of Barretstown. That is made possible because of you, our wonderful supporters. Thank you.

There is always a little nod from Ben at this time of year and this year is no exception. It came by way of his beloved Clane Tennis Club just before Christmas raising an additional €745 and helping us to reach €13,000 raised in 2024 in Ben’s name. CLTC have continued to support and honour their junior champion long after he played his last match there.

So many generous people and organisations have contributed to Ben for Barretstown ❤️ in 2024 - we are truly grateful.

Thanks also to all for their support of our events and to the camp staff for bringing the magic at Barretstown every day.

Happy New Year to you all.
And so it continues……..into 2025 ❤️


Caragh National School PCA




alidonohoe
Angela C


Ben for Barretstown ❤️ VHIWMM Team.

29/05/2024

What an uplifting evening at the Ben for Barretstown ❤️ Tennis Tournament at Ben’s home from home Clane Lawn Tennis Club 💕

Jason you are an exemplary, dedicated, hard-working young man who has achieved so much over the last 8 months with JayBakes, raising an incredible €2626 for the amazing Barretstown

Your talent dedication and motivation to do this project in memory of a boy you never met, with the support of your wonderful parents and everyone at CLTC is awe-inspiring.

This brings to €10K the amount CLTC have raised to-date in memory of Ben 💕

Thank you to Jason & everyone at CLTC for your kindness to Ben as a player and for supporting his legacy of love. Ben’s story is not over……. it continues in the loveliest way thanks to people like you ❤️