‘One of the best’ – JJ Rhatigan hosts fundraiser for Stephen Corroon

A fundraiser was held at a number of JJ Rhatigan sites across Ireland last week in aid of their employee, Stephen Corroon.

The 41-year-old father of two from Mullingar fell from his bike in the Dublin Mountains on the May bank holiday weekend, and suffered a severe spinal injury that left him with a permanent neurological deficit and without the use of his arms or legs.

At the time of going to print yesterday, Monday, the amount raised had reached almost €36,000.

Stephen had been a senior site engineer with JJ Rhatigan on their site at St Finian’s College, where upgrade works are ongoing, and his employers described him as a “great person to work with”.

From 8am to 5pm on Friday last, September 6, more than 150 of the JJ Rhatigan team across six of the company’s offices and sites, including in Mullingar, took part in a nine-hour stationary cycle to raise money for Stephen’s family.

Members of Stephen’s family took part in the cycle in Mullingar, as well as friends from Shamrocks GAA and former colleagues.

Site foreman Emmet Scott said Stephen was a “very good lad” to work with.

“He was one of the best, and he still hasn’t been replaced yet,” he said.

“We’re doing this cycle as a fundraiser for him and his family. We’ve seen what his issues are, we’ve visited him in Tullamore a few times, and I suppose because of the injuries, he’s under pressure financially, so we decided to run this.”

Project manager Martin Moroney said the charity cycle was run with the help of head office.

“It’s being done in Dun Laoghaire too, six sites in total, and we’re just trying to help out the best we can,” he said.

“People have been doing half-hours on the bike all day, and we have had lots of people come in to support us.

“We’re just trying to generate some money for the family, everyone is missing Stephen.”

Stephen’s sister Catherine, who put in a shift on one of the two bikes, said she’s grateful for the support.

“It’s a nice gesture from [JJ Rhatigan], and the money is going towards Stephen’s future needs, medical treatments, and getting him to optimal health,” she said.

“It’s been tough on everyone, but the support has been unbelievable.”

She added that it’s going to be a “long road ahead” for Stephen but that everyone’s praying for him in his recovery.