The mum of an Armagh man who tragically died as a result of a “devastating accident” in Thailand has channelled her unimaginable grief into creating a place of complete “joy and positivity” with a special doggy fun park in his memory.
Julie, mum of Ryan Daly, is preparing to launch ‘Daly Danders Adventure Centre’ on the Drumilly Road this Saturday (October 17), with her beloved son’s memory at the forefront of every aspect of the new venture.
Together with the help of her daughter, Lucy – Ryan’s only sibling – the pair have created a space that they truly hope will become a “family-friendly, community hub where people can chat about anything and their dogs can play and have fun”.
The entire ethos of Daly Danders Adventure Park radiates positivity. And so it should, because, while Julie and her family’s hearts continue to ache for their precious loss, they have created the park to better channel their grief and remember Ryan in everything they do. It is the clearest and most sincere expression of love.
Ryan passed away on January 17, 2025 in Thailand, aged just 26. At the time, he was embarking on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure travelling the world.
As part of that adventure, Ryan ended up volunteering at a Dog Sanctuary – so entrenched was his love of dogs! Donations, in lieu of flowers at his Funeral, were also gratefully received for that wonderful charity.
Speaking to Armagh I, Julie explained the concept behind Daly Danders viewing it as an extension to Ryan’s legacy: “It’s somewhere where we put all the pain.
“Every day is just like waking up and it happening all over again. If you were sitting around and just thinking about it, I dread to think what would happen.
“It is somewhere to channel that pain and I feel like Ryan is there, it’s him. For me, it’s Ryan’s business. He had his own successful business called Express Cleaning and he was still running it remotely when he went away so for me this is an extension to his business. It’s a continuation of his legacy.”
Ahead of her official launch, Julie has been blown away by the support of Ryan’s incredible cohort of friends, all whom she says “miss him dearly, as much as I do”.
Through her online booking system she can already see that so many of them have booked in for day one to show their support. It means the world to her and Lucy.
“It’s a shocking thing to go through and I think only people who lose their child understand,” continued Julie. “I lost my parents within a couple months of each other, a few years before Ryan and it has just been constant.
“Every wee thing that has been put in there has Ryan in mind. Even the very shipping container we have put in is called ‘Daly’s Den’.”
With her two cocker spaniels, Megan and Shirley, by her side as she was speaking to this publication, Julie said the entire family have been “dog lovers our whole lives”.
She hopes this space, which she intends to make her full-time focus, will bring joy every day for both the dogs and their owners.
Having already conducted a few soft launches with dogs known to her, Julie said it just “brings joy to your heart and a smile to your face to see them running, jumping and having fun”.
Tea and coffee will be made available for owners and a “dry area” is available in Daly’s Den so the park can open in all weather.
She hopes that people will use the space to network and speak and offers herself up as a listening ear, saying, “I’m always on hand if people want to talk”.
For the four-legged friends, Daly Danders features a set of tunnels, climbing frames, weave poles, sandpit and ball pit.
Part of the field is also on an incline so it gives the dogs plenty of exercise, beyond that Julie has left it open and obstacle free for zoomy space!
A hygiene station is available at the entrance/exit with hand sanitser and a ‘Mud Daddy’ to wash off mucky paws.
Currently they plan to open six days a week, closed on a Tuesday to allow Julie to clean down equipment.
Providing some advice to newcomers, Julie says “just bring your wellies! It’s that time of year!”
Visitors should also note a one-way system is in place but ample signage has been provided to ferry drivers to the carpark.
Please keep your excitable pups on a lead until they are safely inside the double-gated enclosure and again when leaving to ensure no accidents occur around moving vehicles.
As Julie also plans to provide “reactive dog” sessions it is important to always follow the advice about using leads when coming and going and visitors should also observe a “ten minute wind up” rule when preparing to leave your 50-minute free run session.
Aside from that, she and Lucy hope your pampered pooches enjoy their run. And they hope you enjoy it just as much!
You can make a booking for Daly Danders Adventure Centre via the Booksy app here.
