Last Wednesday, 19 May 2021, Dun Laoghaire County Council put in place a bench in Carysfort Park in honour of former Blackrock A.C. member Samuel Roquette, who sadly passed away on 13 December 2019. The bench was funded through Blackrock A.C.’s Run for Samuel, with the remainder of the funds going to Blood Bikes East

A message from Samuel’s Mum, Louise

“We are delighted to have this bench to remember our precious Samuel” said Samuel’s mother Louise. “He loved athletics and it was lovely to watch him running around Carysfort Park with a grin on his face. I used to help coach the 2008 group and they, along with the coaches, were a fantastic group who really supported each other and had plenty of fun.

Samuel with mum Louise

Samuel was to be awarded athlete of the year for his age group in Blackrock A.C., an award he would have been so proud of. Sadly, he died before he could receive it and his brother Antoine a member of the 2006 group in the club accepted it on his behalf.

We will always have a special place to sit and remember Samuel. It will remind us of the fun he had with Blackrock Athletic Club and how much he loved running. We are so grateful to the 2008 group for organising the relay marathon in Samuel’s honour and everyone else who fundraised with the club. This covered not only the bench but a significant amount was raised for Blood Bikes East. That has allowed them to keep Samuel’s motorbike and many others on the road.

Blood Bikes East has a special place in our hearts as they transported his bloods to Crumlin Hospital every week for 3 years whilst he underwent chemotherapy. The contribution from Blackrock Athletic Club to this charity, the bench and the support overall from the club means a lot to us and we know that Samuel will always have a special place in the club”

In memory of Samuel Roquette (2008 – 2019):

Athlete, friend and committed member of Blackrock A.C. Gone but not forgotten.

May the force be with you Samuel

As well as being a committed member of Blackrock A.C. Juveniles, Samuel attended Monkstown Educate Together National School where he had many friends. He was also a member of Mount Merrion and later Cabinteely Football Clubs, as well as Rathfarnham Concert Band.

There has been no official unveiling of the bench with current COVID restrictions. However, Blackrock A.C. does plan on marking the occasion when restrictions allow.

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