Bundee Aki, Sonia O'Sullivan and Rob Heffernan help celebrate 21 years of Inis Iron Meáin race on Aran Islands

Irish Independent

07-05-2025

Beginning in 2004 as an event to collect money for island secondary school Coláiste Naomh Eoin, the race has become a key annual event for the community of Inis Meáin.
Students from all over the country gathered to immerse themselves in Irish language and culture and the race has now become a nationwide event, with athletes from across the country travelling to the island to participate.
Hundreds of people, including a few familiar faces, come to the island each year to take part or simply to enjoy the atmosphere of what is always a popular event.
This year was no different, with Galway City Mayor Peter Keane officially launching Inis Iron Meáin 2025, alongside rugby legend Bundee Aki and Olympic medallists Sonia O'Sullivan and Rob Heffernan.
Sonia O'Sullivan was the guest of honour at the very first Inis Iron Meáin in November 2004 and so the community was delighted to welcome her back to the island this year as the race celebrated its 21st anniversary.
Coláiste Naomh Eoin was proud to welcome rugby hero Bundee Aki to the island for the first time, who spent the weekend on Inis Meáin with his family and said of the experience: 'It's my first time here and it's unbelievable.
'This race has been happening for a couple of years now and they're obviously seeing the growth of it, with over 500 people [here today]. It's unbelievable to see the age range, kids all the way to the oldies and they can run, walk, whatever - and no better spot to be able to do it on a good day, you can't beat it!'
Runners of the 5km, 10km, 12km routes got to experience the beauty of the island first hand, through fields and winding roads, with runners of the 12K route getting to take in the beautiful coastline of Ceann Gainnimh.
John Lee from Trim AC, Co. Meath (44' 25') was the winner of the 12km race, coming in just before last year's winner, DCDAC's Rodhlann Mosseop. Rodhlann's girlfriend, Emma Horackova, was the fastest woman in the 12km race for the second year in a row (53' 52').
Oughterard Garda Aidan Kelly (39' 51'') won the 10km race, whilst Karla Murray (44' 14') from Tulla AC in Co. Clare was the first woman to finish the 10km race.
Eoin O'Donohoe (23' 42') won the 5km race, and the fastest woman was Erin Murray (24' 47'). Locals and visitors alike came together to enjoy the celebratory barbecue, which is always a fantastic end to the day and a highlight for many, with live music provided by drumming group, Drumadore. Mairéad Ní Fhatharta, Principal of Coláiste Naomh Eoin, was thrilled with the success of Inis Iron Meáin 2025, commenting: "The entire school community, from our staff and students to the island residents who help us out year after year have put in a tremendous effort to make it a success. Celebrating 21 years this year, we have perfected the setup at this stage, but what really sets us apart is our commitment to keeping things exciting.
'We're thrilled to have had rugby hero Bundee Aki join us on the island, alongside athletic legends Sonia O'Sullivan and Rob Heffernan.'
This event receives support from local brand Cniotáil Inis Meáin, GRETB, Pleanáil Teanga Inis Meáin, Aran Island Ferries, Doolin Ferries, Conradh na Gaeilge, An Dún Inis Meáin, Leonard Doyle and Siopa Ruaidhrí Beag.
Registration for next year's Inis Iron Meáin, taking place on May 2nd 2026, will open on May 15 of this year at colaistenaomheoin.ie.