Legacy of Mayo man James McNeive celebrated with launch of new Foundation

THE legacy of a young Mayo man who died in a tragic road accident last year is being celebrated with the establishment of a foundation in his name.

Schoolteacher James McNeive (28), from Knock, lost his life in an accident in Sligo last August.

An announcement about The James McNeive Foundation on Facebook explained: 'Our brother, cousin and friend James McNeive gave us 28 special years of cherished memories, fun and laughter.

'More importantly, he made an incredibly positive impact on everyone he knew and worked with during his life. Whether it was through sport, the communities he was part of or the hundreds of young people he taught through his career as a national school teacher, James was always more than willing to get stuck in, help out and do good with his infectious enthusiasm, boundless energy and daft sense of humour.'

The page, it said, is not a memorial; 'it's a launch pad and a beginning'.

'Its purpose is to announce events and initiatives to support good causes in the name of The James McNeive Foundation, a foundation that has been set up to ensure that James' wonderful legacy lives on.'

They have issued a 'save the date' for June 23 - 28 next, with family and friends beginning a new and special tradition on the week of his birthday this year, getting together to do something 'mad, fun and challenging' to raise funds for good causes that would have been close to James’ heart.

Kicking it all off is the Summit for James - 5 Peak Challenge where they (and anyone else up for the challenge) aim to climb the four highest mountains in Ireland and the UK and also Croagh Patrick in five days, starting on James’ birthday, June 24, 2025.

The itinerary is Ben Nevis in Scotland on June 24, England's Scafell Pike on June 25, Snowdon in Wales on June 26, Carrauntoohil in Kerry on June 27, and finishing back in Mayo on June 28 with a climb of Croagh Patrick – that's just over 17,000 feet in total.

Further details are available on The James McNeive Foundation Facebook page, with the full itinerary to be published next month, with all proceeds going to a charity/charities of James’ family’s choosing (to be announced next month).

Anyone interested in taking part is asked to contact Michael McNeive, Matthew McNeive, Ross Egan, Enda Sweeney, Declan Sweeney or John McNeive, or follow/message the Facebook page.