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Irish Times
09-05-2025
- Irish Times
Sonia O'Sullivan: Sometimes you need to go off the beaten track to find that timeless run of your life
It had been 21 years since I'd first found myself on Inis Meáin, the middle of three Aran Islands off the west coast of Galway. That was in 2004, to take part in the inaugural fundraising run for the island school, Coláiste Naomh Eoin, and there was a magically timeless sense about the place back then. Back there again this May bank holiday weekend, the first thing that struck me was how precious little the place has changed. It's like time rewinds and then stands still, where the greatest luxuries in life are the simple ones. There's no rushing or rush-hour traffic, and the run is only a small part of the adventure. The island prides itself on retaining the Irish language, culture and simple ways of life, and in some ways Coláiste Naomh Eoin was ahead of itself in setting up this run. Known as Inis Iron Meáin, it has funded the growth of the school and its many projects. Some students come from all over Ireland to live on the island for their school years, both primary and secondary. There are lots of these fundraising runs around the country, but something about Inis Iron Meáin feels different. Back in 2004, it was staged deep in winter, attracting 100 or so runners, both from the island and visitors looking for a weekend of ceol, craic and of course the run. READ MORE It's grown to more than 500 runners now, taking on the cúrsa 5k, cúrsa crua (10k), or the cúrsa fíor chrua (12k), which also includes some rugged terrain to get the runners on to Trà Ceann Gainnimh. My daughters Ciara and Sophie were with me on my first visit in 2004 when we travelled over from Teddington, London, a proper trek of planes, cars and boats. This time, I had Rob Heffernan for company; he convinced me to run the cúrsa fíor chrua. Ceann Gainnimh was the most testing part, clambering back up between the sand dunes and on to the road alongside the airport, then back on the twisty winding road where the runners are hidden between the endless maze of stone walls, towards the finish line outside the school. The Inis Iron Meáin offers runners a chance for some splendid views Rob had never been to the island. We drove up from Cork on Friday to Rossaveal, where we would leave the car to walk on to the Aran Island Ferry. Rob had expected we would drive on to the ferry, so he was left gathering essentials from his car, a bit like when you go to the supermarket for one item and come out overloaded, hoping not to drop anything on your way back. Inis Meáin is also known as the Rockies; the island terrain explains that. With a population of just under 200, it is one of the least visited of the three Aran Islands. The main industry on the island alongside farming is the Inis Meáin knitting factory, also a sponsor of the race. They provide some coveted vouchers for the prize winners, a stylish practical souvenir that will last a lifetime, or at least until your next visit. There is also the option to fly to Inis Meáin, on Aer Arann, the 10-minute flight seating nine people. Connacht and Ireland rugby player Bundee Aki was also there for the occasion with his family and friends, all nine of them technically on a charter plane, taking up all the seats. They also all stayed in the one small cottage, another fall back to the days when houses were small and families large. On arrival at the new pier, we were met by the island shuttle. As the sun was still high in the sky we went straight into tourist mode, bypassing our cottage and to the end of the island. Here we jumped out, drinking in the spectacular views across the sea from the clifftops, then headed for Cathaoir Synge, a stone shelter close to the cliff edge, where playwright John Millington Synge spent time finding inspiration for some of his best works. The pre-race meal and beverages were waiting for us at the pub, so we rushed down and joined the locals and visitors. Not all the runners come the night before, but this also creates a sense of togetherness unlike most other races I've run. With the race start the next day at 1pm, there was no rush back to our cottage. The bicycle transport was waiting outside for the dark cycle home to what we hoped was the same cottage where we had left our belongings earlier. Sonia O'Sullivan runs on a beach on Inis Meáin The lunchtime start also allowed for the arrival of runners throughout the morning. As we mingled in the schoolyard, you could see the ferries unloading the new arrivals, who then wound their way up between the stone walls to the race headquarters. The school hall was the gathering before the start, and we were all encouraged to contribute a cúpla focal as Gaeilge in keeping with the theme of the race and local traditions. In glorious sunshine we were sent on our way, up the hill and out the back of the island, following the different coloured road markings depending on which route you signed up for. As the runners soon thinned out, you are left with this sense of aloneness, not in any isolated way but just being in the moment of your own time. Apart from the water stations, the only observers along the way a few cows, sheep and donkeys. The cúrsa fíor chrua is not an easy run, but it is easy to get lost in the beauty and peace of the island. Once the run was complete, it was time to get back to island living, including a swim in possibly the clearest ocean waters I've seen. It was the perfect end to a perfect adventure. Inis Iron Meáin brings people together to share a unique running experience, and that of the island life. It's also a reminder that sometimes you need to go off the beaten track to find that timeless run of your life.
Irish Independent
07-05-2025
- Sport
- Irish Independent
Bundee Aki, Sonia O'Sullivan and Rob Heffernan help celebrate 21 years of Inis Iron Meáin race on Aran Islands
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
