A memorial fun day for five-year-old Bláthnaid Ní Mhaoilmheanna will take place at Spórtlann na hÉireann on the Falls Road in west Belfast on Saturday 22 August.

The event, called Lá na Laochra in ómós do Bhláthnaid, is organised by Laochra Loch Lao GAA club. It will include underage blitzes, bouncy castles and a match for the Gaelic for Mothers and Others team. Bláthnaid's family will attend.

Money raised will go to the Brainwaves charity, which supported the family during her illness. Bláthnaid died on 11 February this year, aged five.

Her mother, Padraigín Uí Mhaoilmheanna, said Bláthnaid was full of fun and energy before she became ill. She loved playing with her friends and her younger sister Duailtín and enjoyed sport, playing with Laochra Loch Lao up to under-5 level.

Bláthnaid became ill in May 2025, when she was four. Doctors initially thought her symptoms were stomach-related, but her mother noticed objects falling from her hands and that she was walking to one side and took her back to hospital. A scan led to a diagnosis of a brain tumour, though the specific type was not known at first.

She had surgery the following Monday and then a second operation within three weeks, before radiotherapy could begin. While waiting nearly six weeks for a full diagnosis from Great Ormond Street, the tumour grew again. Her mother said Bláthnaid took everything in her stride and continued playing and laughing.

After radiotherapy, the family sought overseas treatments and arranged holidays for Bláthnaid and Duailtín. Padraigín Uí Mhaoilmheanna said the community support was significant, with meals prepared, the house ready, and offers to mind Duailtín. The school made a remembrance tree and a garden was created at Anam.

Bríd Nig Aoidh, community outreach officer with Laochra Loch Lao, said the day will include underage blitzes and a Gaelic for Mothers and Others blitz. The club wants people from every part of the club to attend and intends to make the event annual.