Donohoe family thank people for support

THE heart-broken family of Noah Donohoe has expressed thanks to everyone in Strabane who has supported their  campaign for answers about what happened to the teenager who died in June.

Fiona and Niamh  Donohoe were speaking as Strabane prepares to come together for a musical extravaganza this weekend in a bid to raise awareness of the MyNoah Donohoe Campaign.

Dubbed the ‘Weekend for Noah’ the online concert will see 27 local musicians/groups perform from 6-11pm this Saturday in a tremendous show of support for the family.

Prior to the Strabane gig there will be similar concerts in Belfast and Newry as hundreds of people across the North help raise awareness of the campaign.

The ‘Weekend for Noah’ is being held almost six months to the day since the 14-year-old went missing from his home in South Belfast on June 21. 

Noah’s body was found in a storm drain six days later in circumstances that have never been fully explained.

A post-mortem examination found Noah died as a result of drowning, but his family say many questions remain unanswered.

Speaking to the Chronicle Noah’s mum  Fiona Donohoe and his aunt  Niamh said, “The flood of support was not expected but we are so grateful for Noah’s Army made up of people from every corner of the world, and all the people that have gone out of their way to be vocal and passionate in Noah’s name.

“We would like to take the opportunity to thank a few people who are involved in the ‘Weekend for Noah’, our words do not seem adequate but thank you for all your effort and laughs, Oliver Rouse, Ronan Boyle, Anthony Duffy, Joe McKeague and Lynn Bradley,” the family explained.

“Thank you to all the musicians giving their time to this event: We know Noah will be smiling down on all of us over the weekend. Another person we would like to say a special thank you to is Raymond Barr, a man with moral fortitude who has stood shoulder-to-shoulder with us and we will never forget his guidance and compassion.”

Ollie Rouse, assisted by independent councillor Raymond Barr, is organising  Saturday night’s concert, he explained, “It’s all about raising awareness of the Donohoe’s situation. The family have not got the answers they need. We are not asking for any donations or anything like that, we just want people to join ‘Noah’s Army’. They currently have 90,000 followers and we are hoping this weekend we get them over the 100,000 mark.

“All of the musicians I spoke to were very keen to help and there is an awful lot of talent involved. It should be a great show.” OIlie explained.

All of the musicians will be performing from their own homes, with the group performances pre-recorded.

• To enjoy the show go to the MyNoah Donohoe Facebook page, simply join the group and settle in for an evening of entertainment.