A day to remember in Garrykennedy
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Veronica Monahan on her way to winning the Ladies 10k.Image 2 of 5
Fergal Fahy and Gus Ryan (MC for the event) pictured in Garrykennedy on the day.Image 3 of 5
Oisín O’Halloran, first Junior home in the 5k - and overall winner for the second consecutive year - pictured with his dad, Dermot.Image 4 of 5
Dermot O’Halloran congratulates David Spellissy (left), first man home in the 5k.Image 5 of 5
Dermot O’Halloran presents a prize to Wesley Reilly, second place, Men’s 10k.The annual Garrykennedy Fun Run has gone from strength to strength in recent years.
Having started as a fundraiser for the Irish Heart Foundation, it now raises funds for Arra Rovers soccer club and it has developed into a family friendly festival. This year’s festival was held on the shores of the lake in basking sunshine, giving summer vibes as runners and walkers alike took to the country roads.
The challenging 10k route goes uphill at first before giving some relief as it turns downhill to the finish. Runners more accustomed to flat urban terrain are treated to a country mile with more than distance to get the pulse rising. They are rewarded by a hearty welcome home by spectators and a lake view as they re-enter the village.
The 5k route is somewhat more forgiving; it may be only half the distance but runners still have a hill start and had some real heat from the sun to contend with this year. The event was timed by Premier Timing, which added to the attractiveness of the race for seasoned runners.
Nigel Flood warmed up the runners and walkers, Gus Ryan was master of ceremonies for the race, Tim O’Halloran and Jimmy Stimpson facilitated paramedic services, and Edwina Morrissey shared her talents as a face painter.
Michael O’Connor emerged as the 10k champion with a time of 40:16, while Veronica Monahan was the first woman to cross the finish line. In the 5k race, young Oisín O’Halloran, just 11 years old, defended his title with an impressive time of 21:53.
David Spellissy also defended his title and was the fastest man home, and Trish O’Flaherty was the fastest woman.
Better than the welcome back and water station at the finish this year there were refreshments at Larkins Bar, face painting by Edwina Morrissey for children and an afternoon of activities such as Giant Jenga, Penalty Shoot-out, Archery, the much anticipated All-Ireland Egg-Throwing Competition, with Ceol agus Caint into the night.
Organised by Arra Rovers soccer club and Anna Duggan, the festivities are facilitated and stewarded by club members. Sponsors of the 2024 event include Duggan Brothers Contractors, Templemore, Larkins Bar & Restaurant Garrykennedy and John Gleeson of Gleeson’s Spar shop in Portroe.
The club wishes to extend its thanks to everyone who took part in the race, its sponsors and all who contributed to making the festival a resounding success.
Everyone is looking forward to a bigger and better event next year.
The burning question is not whether there will be more participants (there will) but – can anyone unseat the O’Halloran brothers (Oscar and Oisín) as the undisputed Egg-Throwing Champions of Ireland, who equalled the course record with a successful unbroken catch of 20m!