Wicklow man to honour late grandmother by riding in Cancer Trials Ireland fundraiser
In 2023, Cian was selected to ride in the charity race at the Punchestown Festival, and managed to raise €1,830 for the Punchestown Kidney Research Fund, having set himself a fundraising target of €1,500. Now, all his focus is on the upcoming charity race.
He said: 'Cancer is a battle that many of us know all too well. It has personally touched my life through the struggles of my family and friends. Losing my grandmother Lylah Gaskin to cancer in 2020, and witnessing loved ones battle as opened my eyes to how devastating this disease is.
'That's why I've decided to participate in the Pat Smullen charity race, an event dedicated to supporting Cancer Trials Ireland. Cancer Trials Ireland plays a crucial role in pioneering new cancer treatments and trials that offer hope to countless individuals and families facing this disease. The race is held in memory of the late Pat Smullen, a brilliant jockey and pioneer for cancer research.'
With more than 24,000 people diagnosed with cancer each year in Ireland, Cancer Trials Ireland is dedicated to finding new ways to prevent, find and treat cancer. It currently has more than 110 trials open and is recruiting new patients and has succeeded in offering research options to over 9000 patients across Ireland in the last fifteen years.
As part of his efforts, Cian has established an idonate page and has set himself a fundraising target of €3,000.
Cian added: 'Taking part in this race is a true honour, and I am grateful to Pat Smullen's daughter Hannah, and the entire Smullen family for organising such a meaningful day.
"By donating to this cause, you are supporting Cancer Trials Ireland's critical mission of advancing research and trials that have the potential to save lives. Your generosity will directly contribute to innovative cancer care, offering new possibilities to those who need it most.
'Every euro donated not only honours Pat Smullen's memory but also moves us closer to a world where cancer is no longer a threat.'
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Irish Independent
04-08-2025
- Irish Independent
Wicklow man to honour late grandmother by riding in Cancer Trials Ireland fundraiser
Cian Fenelon will be taking part in the Pat Smullen Charity Race at the Curragh on August 30, which will raise funds for Cancer Trials Ireland, the leading cancer research trials organisation in Ireland. In 2023, Cian was selected to ride in the charity race at the Punchestown Festival, and managed to raise €1,830 for the Punchestown Kidney Research Fund, having set himself a fundraising target of €1,500. Now, all his focus is on the upcoming charity race. He said: 'Cancer is a battle that many of us know all too well. It has personally touched my life through the struggles of my family and friends. Losing my grandmother Lylah Gaskin to cancer in 2020, and witnessing loved ones battle as opened my eyes to how devastating this disease is. 'That's why I've decided to participate in the Pat Smullen charity race, an event dedicated to supporting Cancer Trials Ireland. Cancer Trials Ireland plays a crucial role in pioneering new cancer treatments and trials that offer hope to countless individuals and families facing this disease. The race is held in memory of the late Pat Smullen, a brilliant jockey and pioneer for cancer research.' With more than 24,000 people diagnosed with cancer each year in Ireland, Cancer Trials Ireland is dedicated to finding new ways to prevent, find and treat cancer. It currently has more than 110 trials open and is recruiting new patients and has succeeded in offering research options to over 9000 patients across Ireland in the last fifteen years. As part of his efforts, Cian has established an idonate page and has set himself a fundraising target of €3,000. Cian added: 'Taking part in this race is a true honour, and I am grateful to Pat Smullen's daughter Hannah, and the entire Smullen family for organising such a meaningful day. "By donating to this cause, you are supporting Cancer Trials Ireland's critical mission of advancing research and trials that have the potential to save lives. Your generosity will directly contribute to innovative cancer care, offering new possibilities to those who need it most. 'Every euro donated not only honours Pat Smullen's memory but also moves us closer to a world where cancer is no longer a threat.'
Irish Times
03-08-2025
- Irish Times
Mark English claims 800m title over Cian McPhillips at National Championships
Not since the heydays of middle-distance running at Morton Stadium has there been a more popular and proven winner than Mark English . Nor a victory so deeply and deservedly celebrated. In the standout performance of the 153rd consecutive staging of the National Track & Field Championships, English was imperious in defending his 800m title, the Donegal runner turning the expected two-lap showdown against Cian McPhillips into a tactical masterclass. Most in attendance suspected the 32-year-old would have a race on his hands, and it looked that way coming into the homestretch when 23-year-old McPhillips sat right on his shoulder. Without once glancing back, English shifted gear again and simply blew him away, winning in 1:48.76, McPhillips second in 1:49.26. It made for a 10th outdoor title for English, to sit alongside his nine indoor titles, only this was clearly one to relish – the Finn Valley athlete punching the air as he crossed the line before promptly jogging back down the track to embrace the adulation. READ MORE 'I felt great. I had a plan and it worked out,' said English after the final. 'I knew Cian is in brilliant shape, has run the second fastest (Irish) time of all-time. He's a quality athlete, so I knew I'd have to execute the perfect race to win, and thankfully I did. And for all the support that's here for me today, that gives you a great bit of confidence before the race starts, and very pleased.' The sheer class of English eclipsed the other anticipated middle-distance showdown that was the men's 1,500m, in which Clonliffe Harriers' Cathal Doyle won his fourth consecutive title. Also running tactically astute, Doyle kicked hard around the final bend to win in 3:53.60 – his 52-second last lap enough to hold off the fast-finishing Andrew Coscoran , who grabbed silver in 3:53.84, just ahead of Nick Griggs (3:53.90). Coscoran was back on the track just over 90 minutes later to win the 5,000m in 13:34.14, needing a fast finish to see off Brian Fay. Alex O'Neill holds off Sarah Healy to win the women's 800m final. Photograph: Morgan Treacy/Inpho Six weeks out from the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Sarah Healy moved down to the 800m to test her speed, and tactics too, but had to surrender to the strength of Alex O'Neill, the Clare athlete winning in 2:04.53 after leading the entire last lap. 'Delighted, it's huge to get my first senior title,' said O'Neill, who runs with Limerick Track AC. 'I've been feeling really strong lately, but I was bit shocked the last 50, because I knew there were all there.' Healy finished a close second in 2:04.57, unable to find the space to get past O'Neill in the last 50m. In the absence Rhasidat Adeleke, the title of Ireland's fastest woman for 2025 went to Emerald AC's Ciara Neville, winning the 100m in 11.44 seconds six years after she first claimed the title as a teenager. 'Honestly, since winning my first title in 2019, it's just been such a battle with injuries,' said Neville, who finished clear of Lauren Roy (11.49). 'So this year I knew I was really coming back into myself, and I'm delighted. I have to give such credit to my coaching team down in Limerick.' Sarah Lavin during the women's 100m hurdles final. Photograph: Morgan Treacy Neville's training partner Sarah Lavin , racing for the fourth time in two days, claimed her 10th title in the 100m hurdles, 24 hours after finishing second to Sharlene Mawdsley in the 200m, her time of 12.92 well clear of Molly Scott (13.61). 'I just focused on my job, hurdle by hurdle, so clean and solid,' said Lavin. 'The thinking behind two events was I'm going to need to have the run of my life in Tokyo, on September 13th and 14th, and you're not going to feel super fresh after just running a heat. That was important, so very happy with that.' The title of Ireland's fastest man has rested with Israel Olatunde for the last four years, but an injury sustained in his semi-final earlier on Sunday forced the Tallaght AC sprinter to withdraw from the final. Olatunde would have needed to be at his absolute best to beat Bori Akinola, the 23-year-old from UCD, who won his first 100m title 10.29, just off his lifetime best of 10.25, adding to his 60m indoor title. Sean Aigboboh of Tallaght AC was second in 10.41. In the absence of Mawdsley, Sophie Becker dominated the women's 400m, winning in 52.87, while Jack Raftery won the men's title in 45.71. In the field events, Nicola Tuthill won her fourth hammer title in a new Irish under-23 record of 71.75m, while Reece Ademola from Leevale was also a class apart in the long jump with 8.0m. National Track and Field Championships, Santry (selected results) MEN 100m 1 Bori Akinola U.C.D. A.C. 10.29 2 Sean Aigboboh Tallaght A.C. 10.41 3 Lorcan Murphy Dundrum South Dublin A.C. 10.57 200m 1 Marcus Lawler Clonliffe Harriers A.C. 20.66 2 Darragh McConville Dundrum South Dublin A.C. 21.41 3 Adam Murphy Tinryland A.C. 21.51 400m 1 Jack Raftery Donore Harriers 45.71 2 Christopher O'Donnell North Sligo AC 46.27 3 Ciaran Carthy Dundrum South Dublin 46.34 800m 1 Mark English Finn Valley A.C. 1:48.76 2 Cian Mc Phillips U.C.D. A.C. 1:49.26 3 Andrew Thompson North Belfast Harriers 1:49.93 1,500m 1 Cathal Doyle Clonliffe Harriers A.C. 3:53.60 2 Andrew Coscoran Star of the Sea A.C 3:53.84 3 Nick Griggs CNDR Track A.C. 3:53.90 5,000m 1 Andrew Coscoran Star of the Sea A.C. 13:34.14 2 Brian Fay Raheny Shamrock A.C. 13:34.92 3 Jack O'Leary Mullingar Harriers A.C. 13:41.47 110m hurdles 1 Adam Nolan St. Laurence O'Toole A.C. 14.24 2 Gerard O'Donnell Carrick-on-Shannon A.C. 14.40 3 Conor Penney Craughwell A.C. 14.70 400m hurdles 1 Niall Carney Clonliffe Harriers A.C. 54.87 2 Briain Cullinan Sligo A.C. 54.89 3 Jason O'Reilly Killarney Valley A.C. 55.33 Shot Put 1 Eric Favors Raheny Shamrock A.C. 19.58 2 John Kelly Finn Valley A.C. 17.85 3 Callum Keating North Cork A.C. 14.67 Hammer 1 Sean Mockler of Moycarkey Coolcroo A.C 65.62 2 Simon Galligan Clonliffe Harriers A.C. 60.79m 3 Cóil Ó Muirí Fr. Murphy A.C. 56.68m Long jump 1 Reece Ademola Leevale AC 8.00 2 Sam Healy Leevale AC 7.53 3 Luke O'Carroll Tralee Harriers 7.15 High Jump 1 Conor Penney Craughwell A.C. 2.10 2 Mohammed Ibrahim Halil Raheny Shamrock A.C. 1.95 3 Darragh Kelly Craughwell A.C. 1.90 WOMEN 100m 1 Ciara Neville Emerald A.C. 11.44 2 Lauren Roy Fast Twitch A.C. 11.49 3 Mollie O'Reilly Dundrum South Dublin A.C. 11.60 200m 1 Sharlene Mawdsley Newport A.C. 23.55 2 Sarah Lavin Emerald A.C. 23.80 3 Lauren Roy Fast Twitch A.C. 23.88 400m 1 Sophie Becker Raheny Shamrock 52.87 2 Rachel McCann North Down AC 53.19 3 Cliodhna Manning Kilkenny City Harriers 53.99 800m 1 Alex O'Neill Limerick Track A.C. 2:04.53 2 Sarah Healy U.C.D. A.C. 2:04.57 3 Maeve O'Neill Doheny A.C. 2:04.69 1,500m 1 Laura Nicholson Bandon A.C. 4:13.32 2 Zoe Toland CNDR Track A.C. 4:15.11 3 Niamh Carr Dublin City Harriers A.C. 4:16.08 5,000m 1 Niamh Allen Leevale A.C. 15:35.90 2 Anika Thompson Leevale A.C. 15:40.56 3 Fiona Everard Bandon A.C. 16:04.36 100m hurdles 1 Sarah Lavin Emerald A.C. 12.92 2 Molly Scott St. Laurence O'Toole A.C. 13.61 3 Sarah Quinn St. Colmans South Mayo A.C. 13.84 400m hurdles 1 Cara Murphy Dundrum South Dublin A.C. 59.85 2 Ellis McHugh Ferrybank A.C. 1:00.13 3 Lauren Kilduff Craughwell A.C. 1:00.39 Hammer 1 Nicola Tuthill UCD AC 71.75m NU23R 2 Margaret Hayden Tallaght A.C. 60.22 3 Caoimhe Gallen Lifford Strabane A.C. 52.27
Irish Daily Mirror
01-08-2025
- Irish Daily Mirror
Galway Races tips Friday: Robbie Power's selections for day 5
Jarrive De Mee makes his debut over fences at the Galway Races this evening and is very interesting for Willie and Patrick Mullins. The 2m6½f Beginners Chase at 5.30 is a fascinating contest and if Jarrive De Mee can translate his hurdles form to the bigger obstacles, he could be hard to beat. This six-year-old won three consecutive races at odds-on last season, with connections finding good opportunities at Catterick and Haydock after a debut victory at Thurles. He then finished fourth behind stablemate and Albert Bartlett winner Jasmin De Vaux at the Punchestown Festival. The son of Authorised was beaten nine lengths by the winner that day and that is good form. Patrick knows the horse well, having partnered him in all four of his starts since joining the powerful Closutton team, and is back on board today. He should go very close. There are a lot of horses in the opening race (5.00) having their first ever run and I'm going to side with one who has experience. That is Johnny Murtagh's Bellamano, who finished second at Killarney last month, having been fifth of 17 on debut at Leopardstown a month beforehand. The Blazers Handicap at 6.00 is as competitive as ever, but there are plenty of horses in it that are well exposed. I won this race on Mindsmadeup for Matthew Smith back five years ago and the Meath trainer looks to have another good chance this time around with Moonovercloon. But the horse I like in the Blazers is Native Speaker for Henry de Bromhead. Henry de Bromhead (Image: ©INPHO/Tom Maher) He disappointed on his last start at the Punchestown Festival, but his run before that when third and beaten only half a length at Fairyhouse in December behind Judicieuse Allen is strong form. If he can leave his last run behind, he could be well handicapped for the same stable that won this race in both 2022 and 2023. The Guinness Handicap over 1m4f at 6.35 is wide open and it's hard to pick one out. Jessica Harrington's team are in great form, especially her older horses and Mo Ghille Mar was a winner last time out when scoring at Down Royal. She has to have a big chance, but you also need to keep an eye on Willie Mullins' runner Lope De Lilas for Wathnan Racing, who was well beaten at the Curragh at the end of June. However, she has some decent form in the book and could go close here, but preference is for Mo Ghille Mar. In the Fillies Maiden over 1m4f at 7.10, the Joseph O'Brien-trained Jannah Star has finished second as favourite in her last two races and she can maybe get her head in front this time. Those runs came at Bellewstown and the Curragh and she was also a beaten favourite on her debut when third at Limerick. However, this looks like a pretty ordinary contest and it could be fourth time lucky for Jannah Star. A handicap over 1m½f is the third last contest at 7.40 and Ribee looks to have a good chance for Michael Mulvaney and Wesley Joyce. He hasn't been seen in almost three months and finished second on his last two starts at Gowran Park and Galway. The fact that he looks to have been put away for this race says a lot and he might just be the one here. Cheltenham Festival bumper winner A Dream To Share won a Leopardstown maiden well last time out and is fancied in the Rockshore Refreshingly Irish Race at 8.10 over 1m6f. And Pralognan should go close in the last race of the day, a handicap over 1m6f for Tony Martin after winning his last two races. Bet of the day - Jarrive De Mee 8.40
