A HURLING blitz is set to take place on Saturday in memory of a Co Down boy who died suddenly aged just nine.
Oisin Blaney will be remembered by more than 200 young players on June 15 when they come together for a special fundraising event at Liatroim Fontenoys GAC, near Castlewellan.
The event will gather funds for Oisin's former school, Knockevin Special School in Downpatrick, for a special bus to accommodate students in wheelchairs.
The young boy was diagnosed with Smith Magennis Syndrome at the age of two and died suddenly seven years later.
He had been due to go on a school trip on June 17 2009 when his family found he had passed away in bed from 'sudden unexplained death in epilepsy'.
Last year his family hosted the first Oisin Blaney Memorial Hurling Blitz and raised £6,000.
But in a bid to gather even more funds for the school, Oisin's family have once again organised an event in his honour, which will see around 16 teams of young hurlers from across Ireland compete, including six squads from Dublin.
Among those to participate in the blitz at Fontenoy GAA grounds will be Oisin's younger brother Senan (9).
RTÉ pundit John Mullane is due to attend the event and the Liam McCarthy Cup, presented to the All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship winners, will be on display.
Oisin's father Peter, a brother of Down football and hurling great Greg, said that 10 years after their son's death, they are "finding the strength to publicly remember Oisín".
"We want to help Knockevin Special needs school and other children to achieve their potential by raising funds so that they can buy the equipment needed to access a broad and rich curriculum," he said.
"We were delighted that they school suggested using money we had raised to buy coding equipment in order to give equal opportunities to all children and ensure all children reach their potential.
"Last year was our first year running this charity event and we raised a staggering £6,000, which was used to save for a £50,000 wheelchair friendly school bus.
"A buddy bench was also purchased in the children's playground in Oisin's memory and a cup awarded for children's endeavour."
The event will take place at Fontenoy Park, Liatroim on June 15 at 11am. Please visit www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/oisinblaney2.
