A MEMORIAL service and a fundraising event have been planned in Newcastle in memory of the young GAA couple who were killed in an accident in Qatar.
Eamonn Morgan and Charlotte Sant both died following a tragic sand buggy accident which took place while they enjoyed an outing with friends visiting from Ireland last Saturday (June 27).
The pair, both 24, were PE teachers working in the Middle Eastern country and also popular members of the Doha-based Qatar GAA team.
Prior to leaving for Qatar in 2014, Eamonn, a Newry-native, had played for the Cú Chulainn’s GAA club in Newcastle-Upon-Tyne.
This week his former teammates and friends have been busy organising an event, which is due to take place at the Tyneside Irish Centre in Gallowgate on Monday, July 6, in his memory.
The gathering, which kicks off at 7.30pm and includes and auction and a raffle, is also aimed at raising money to support the families of both Mr Morgan and Ms Sant as they come to terms with their loss and the need to bring their young ones’ bodies home.
“We don’t have a fundraising target as such but we just want to pull together to have a pot of funding to provide support should the families need it at this time,” Tomás McGleenan, who is helping to organise the event, told The Irish Post.
Money raised which is not used by the families will be donated to the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust Fund, he added, which financially supports families in need of repatriating their loved ones back to Ireland.
“We now need to spread the word about the fundraising so we can reach anyone who can help by coming along to the event or making a donation,” Mr McGleenan explained.
Both Eamonn and Charlotte’s bodies are expected to be flown home on Monday, July 6, although funeral arrangements have yet to be announced for either.
Eamonn will be brought home to Ireland, while Charlotte, his girlfriend, will be returned to her hometown of Manchester.
In Newcastle a memorial mass will be said for the pair at St Theresa’s Church in Heaton tomorrow evening (July 4) at 6.30pm. All are welcome to attend the mass.
The fundraising night at Tyneside Irish Centre is also an open event, for further information contact 01914 2610384.
Donations to the Cú Chulainn’s fundraising campaign can be made to the following bank account, using the reference 'Eamonn and Charlotte', sort code 30-93-71, account number 01133700
