Tractor run in aid of Kilkenny teenager to take place this Sunday

A tractor run in aid of Kilkenny teenager, Maria Hogan will take place in Kilkenny this Sunday (April 19).

Registration takes place at St Kieran’s College at 11am and the event starts at noon.

The entry fee for the St Kieran’s College Charity Tractor and Truck Run is €20 per vehicle. This fee applies to all participants wishing to join the convoy, including tractors, trucks, motorbikes, and vintage or modified cars. 

All proceeds from the entry fees and additional fundraising activities are donated to local causes, specifically supporting Maria Hogan for the 2026 run.

READ MORE: Kilkenny teen is fighting 'just to keep going' as fundraiser launched

The Kilkenny teenager recently travelled abroad and underwent surgery, which is not available in Ireland, to treat abdominal vascular compressions which reduces blood flow to major organs and causes risks to her heart, kidneys and digestive system.

In a recent update on Maria's Go Fund Me fundraising page, her Dad, Damien outlined how Maria's recovery will take some time and that additional funds will be needed to cover the associated costs.

"Maria has now had one of  her first major surgeries, which successfully relieved the compression that was preventing her from eating and drinking. While this is a significant step forward, her stomach is not yet functioning properly due to the prolonged period of strain on her body.

"This week marks six weeks post-op a milestone which many people associate with being healed, moving on and returning to normal . . .  We wish that were the case. Unfortunately, that is not how recovery works with SMAS, one of Maria’s main compressions.

"This surgery involved the celiac plexus, the largest autonomic nerve network in the abdomen. It plays a vital role in regulating digestive function, pain signalling and overall coordination of the gut. After being compressed for such a long time and then surgically relieved, it does not simply switch back on. The nervous system needs time to recover and adapt this can take months, not weeks.
This is not about willpower or pushing through, it is about allowing the body the time it needs to heal.

"Doctors are hopeful that, over time, her digestive function and autonomic nervous system will begin to recover but this could take several months or longer. In the meantime, Maria requires highly specialised care to support her recovery. Unfortunately, this expertise is not available in Ireland, so we have had to seek treatment internationally to ensure she receives the best possible care.

"We made the decision to go to one of the leading specialists in the world for her condition and we are confident we have taken the most responsible and informed steps for her treatment. We are also incredibly grateful to have a consultant in Switzerland who is now supporting us and guiding the next phase of Maria’s care.

"However, Maria still faces further challenges, including additional compressions that will require another surgery in the not so distant future.

"What we had hoped would be a more straightforward treatment has now become a much longer journey, with no clear end in sight just yet. We are taking it one step at a time, staying strong and doing everything we can to give Maria the best possible chance at recovery.

Damien and his family are incredibly grateful for the support that they have received from the wider Kilkenny community.

"Getting on the plane and flying home, knowing we did not have the specialist care Maria needs in Ireland was incredibly difficult and emotional.

"What has kept us going is the unwavering support from our city, our community and people far beyond even those we have never met who have reached out with kindness and well wishes we never could have imagined.

"It is this kindness, encouragement and generosity that has given us real hope and strength during such a challenging time. We truly feel that so many people have our backs a whole mountain of support behind us, holding us up when we need it most.

"Maria continues to show incredible strength through all of this. We are in awe of her resilience no matter how tough the days are, she still manages to put on a brave face and greet her friends and family with a smile.

"This journey has been long, and the costs are relentless. To everyone who has followed Maria’s story, supported us and contributed in any way, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Your kindness, generosity and encouragement have carried us through the hardest moments. It truly means more than we could ever put into words and it is what continues to help us move forward with Maria’s ongoing journey.

“The situation has become more complex than we initially expected and the costs have increased significantly ,” he added.

To donate or for the latest updates on Maria's journey go to www.gofundme.com and search for Maria Hogan