Teenager's memory honoured at Laois Dog Fest
Best friends at the Dog Fest. Photo: @antoinettethurlowphotography, complimentary for Cara Rescue Dogs. See more of Antoinette's beautiful photos from the event in the next edition of the Laois Nationalist, in shops and online on Tuesday 12 August
A PERPETUAL award in memory of an extraordinary teenager, who passed away suddenly last month aged just 15, was unveiled at the annual Cara Dog Fest in a sun-filled Emo Court Parklands.
The poignant moment in honour of Ryan Kearney was an emotional yet uplifting highlight of a wonderful afternoon, which brought two- and four-legged friends of all shapes and sizes to the beautiful parklands in aid of Laois-based Cara Rescue Dogs on Sunday 3 August.
The ‘Ryan’s Love and Kindness Award’ honours the teenager who sadly lost his short but brave battle with cancer in early July. The first award was presented to his family at the event.
From Ballinaboley, Leighlinbridge, Co Carlow, Ryan was only three years old when his family began fostering dogs for Cara.
The Cara Rescue Dogs Team said: ‘From the very beginning, it was clear that he wasn’t just around the rescue work, he was part of its heartbeat. Ryan effortlessly managed to connect with each of the foster dogs, no matter what condition they arrived in. Sick, injured, scared, emotionally broken. The ones who just needed that little bit more, he gravitated towards.
‘Ryan gave them love and kindness beyond his years. He didn’t become this beautiful human in isolation. He was shaped by a family whose love and dedication to animal rescue has spanned over 13 years.
‘Ryan’s parents Sinéad and Dave, brother Adam and sister Laura gave their time, home and hearts to Cara Rescue Dogs. It was in this environment, this incredible family, that Ryan grew into the young man whose inspirational life has created a legacy.
‘The grief his family are left with is simply unimaginable. There are no words that will ever be enough. But what we can do is ensure that his legacy lives on.’
Every year, the award will be presented to someone in the local community who embodies the same selfless compassion, dedication and gentle strength that Ryan showed through rescue dogs.
The voluntary rescue team warmly thanked everyone who supported the 2025 Dog Fest, where the atmosphere was magical in glorious surroundings.
The team said: ‘It was truly heartwarming to see so many of our wonderful adopted dogs again. Every dog has their own story and seeing them thriving in their forever homes reminds us why we do what we do.’
