Clare County Council, in partnership with the Irish Blood Transfusion Service (IBTS), is preparing to host a dedicated corporate blood drive in memory of Dylan Costelloe on Wednesday, 17th June 2026 at The Civic Room, Buttermarket Building, Drumbiggle Road, Ennis.
The initiative has been coordinated and organised by Clare County Council employee Edelle Costelloe to highlight the lifesaving importance of blood donation and to encourage greater awareness around the need for readily available blood supplies in emergency situations.
The blood drive is being held in memory of Dylan Costelloe, son of Clare County Council employee Edelle Costelloe, following the tragic circumstances surrounding Dylan’s death in Bali, Indonesia in April 2024.
Dylan lost a significant amount of blood following a serious accident and, although he arrived at hospital approximately thirty minutes later, there was no immediate blood supply available. Several hours passed before blood arrived for transfusion. Tragically, Dylan went into cardiac arrest two minutes after receiving his first blood transfusion. Sadly, it was too late for Dylan.
Speaking ahead of the event, Edelle Costelloe said the experience brought home the vital importance of blood donation and the difference timely access to blood can make in emergency care.
“You never think about blood supplies until your own family is faced with an emergency situation. What happened to Dylan showed us just how critical blood donation really is. If this initiative encourages even more people to donate blood and helps save lives for other families in the future, then that means a great deal to us.”
Clare County Council is leading the dedicated corporate blood drive in partnership with the Irish Blood Transfusion Service, with staff and invited donors participating through the IBTS appointment system.
The initiative has already received a strong response from Clare County Council staff and invited donors, reflecting widespread support for the campaign and the important message behind it.
Edelle added that she hopes the initiative will encourage more local authorities, workplaces, organisations and public bodies to support similar blood donation initiatives in workplaces and communities throughout Ireland.
“The support received so far has been incredible. This blood drive is about honouring Dylan’s memory in a positive and meaningful way while also helping others. We would love to see more local authorities, workplaces, organisations and public bodies support similar blood drive initiatives for families and communities across the country.”
The clinic will operate from 3pm to 6pm, with appointment scheduling coordinated directly by the Irish Blood Transfusion Service.
