Latest news with #DublinCityMarathon
Irish Independent
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Superheroes run riot during Gorey Market House Festival
Taking place in Gorey District Town Park, David Fitzpatrick of Gorey Athletics Club praised the event and people that attended the family fun run. 'It was a great turnout, and we were delighted with how it went,' David said. Fine Gael's Brian Brennan, TD for Wicklow Wexford was also in attendance to share the fun on the day. Deputy Brennan praised the club for the events running. David said the club wanted to organise a two kilometre run throughout the park, where kids could dress up as their favourite heroes and race through Gorey Town Park. 'We basically just set out a run for the children. 'The kids were presented with certificates and refreshments when the run was over. We had music provided by Michael Brown,' he added. David and Dean Glennan re-established Gorey Athletics Club in March 2025 after discussing the previous owner of the club which was once popular in Gorey. David and Dean met after running the Dublin City Marathon two years ago and we were talking about the children that went to the showgrounds for athletics over the years. 'We were talking about it and said 'What about reviving the club?' David said himself and Dean were approached to host an event at this year's festival as the Athletics Club was newly formed. 'As the club progresses, we hope to re-enact some of the races organised years ago,' David added
Irish Independent
01-07-2025
- Sport
- Irish Independent
Wexford dad surpasses €35k with first step of marathon fundraiser inspired by his daughter
Inspired by his beloved daughter Jennie, Andrew set himself the goal of completing a 2.1 mile swim, cycling 210 miles and running 21 miles. As if that wasn't enough, on September 21 he will attempt to complete one of the most difficult endurance races in the world – the Wales Ironman – and, finally, on October 26, he will seek to complete the Dublin City Marathon in 3 hours and 47 minutes. He's doing all of this to raise funds with the lofty goal of raising €210,000 for Wexford Special Olympics Club and Windmill Therapeutic, two services that do great work with Jennie and her friends. The determined Dad is certainly off to a great start, having raised more than €35,000 with the first event, the people of Rosslare Strand and surrounding areas having been of great support. "We started the challenge with the most spectacular 3.38km midnight swim where over 40 people came to support,' Andrew says. 'I started the 338km bike segment at 2 a.m. and completed it shortly before 5 p.m. Then after a short break, I started the 33.8km run and completed that by 10.15 p.m. "The support on the bike was equally fantastic with people from all around the county and beyond joining in. The run support from Wexford Triathlon Club was the icing on the cake to get me over the line. However, the biggest reward for me was seeing all the fun at the event on the green.' With Jennie holding down the fort, there was all kinds of family fun in the village, with nearly €10,000 raised on the day alone. While blown away by the support he's received so far, Andrew is already firmly focused on the next challenge. "It'll be some rest and recovery now before we move onto the next challenge – Ironman Wales on September 21,' he said. 'Thank you to everyone who has donated and helped raise funds to date, from me and Jennie.'
Irish Independent
17-06-2025
- Sport
- Irish Independent
Meet the Wexford father undertaking a marathon fundraiser inspired by his daughter's 21st birthday
Jennie was born with Down syndrome (Trisomy 21) and is the inspiration behind Andrew undertaking three marathon challenges with the goal of raising €210,000 for Wexford Special Olympics Club and Windmill Therapeutic. "When Jennie was born, myself and my wife wouldn't have known much about Trisomy 21,' Andrew concedes. 'She had major heart surgery when she was just four months old and we didn't get her home from the hospital until she was eight months. "She has thrived since then though and she's still very healthy. She still sees a heart specialist for a check up every couple of years, but she's very active and she's been involved with Wexford Special Olympics club since she was 9, taking part in all kinds of competitions.' Clearly very proud of his girl, she has inspired Andrew to attempt three massive challenges in the coming months. This Saturday, on June 21, he will complete a 21 hour challenge at Rosslare Strand – swimming 2.1 miles, cycling 210 miles and running 21 miles. On September 21, he will attempt to complete Ironman Wales. The race is in the top 10 hardest Ironman races in the world with over 8,700ft of elevation during a 3.8km swim, 180km bike race and 42km run. Finally on October 26, he will attempt to complete the Dublin City Marathon in 3 hours and 47 minutes – the three representing the 3rd copy of chromosome 21 a child with Down syndrome is born with and the 47 representing the number of chromosomes in the body of a person with Downy syndrome. Currently racking up 20 hours a week, Andrew never loses sight of why he's doing it as Jennie is at his side all the way. "She's super excited,' the Tagoat father says. 'She'll come out with me on the bike sometimes when I'm out for a run and she helps me with the updates on Facebook and that type of thing. She can't wait for June 21st for things to get started.' While Andrew is working up a sweat, a day of family fun will take place in Rosslare Strand with a marquee set up on the green. People are invited to come out and cheer him on, enjoy a barbecue, buy a raffle ticket, enjoy the kids entertainment and maybe even join him for a mile or two of a run. "I would've done a good few big races before Covid, but not much since,' Andrew says with excitement setting in. ADVERTISEMENT Learn more "I came up with this idea about two years ago. Jennie's 21st was approaching and I wanted to do something big.' "I started training for this back in January and I'm 21 or 22 weeks in now. My attitude is to focus on the first challenge first and then build up slowly but surely. I did a little trial run of 16 hours last week, starting off in the sea at 3.30 a.m. It gave me a good idea of what it will be like.' With a significant target of €210,000, Andrew is hoping that people will really row in behind him and help him make a lasting difference to Wexford Special Olympics Club and Windmill Therapeutic, who provide day supports for adults with mild to moderate intellectual disabilities. "Jennie loves the community aspect of the Special Olympics Club,' Andrew explains. 'Just to be able to get involved, it means the world to her. It's a fantastic club and really opens doors for kids like Jennie and creates a sense of community and belonging for them. She has some great friends through the club. "As for Windmill, that's where she'll spend the next twenty, thirty, forty years of her life. They provide an amazing services and teach their clients life skills like how to budget and mind their money, how to get jobs and basically how to fend for themselves and enjoy some independence. "I know they are struggling for money. They are planning a huge renovation to create sensory rooms etc down there and they're trying to raise €300,000. I'm hoping that I'll be able to help them out with that. Andrew's fundraiser has already raised nearly €20,000 online alone and he's hopeful that people will turn out and join in the fun at Rosslare Strand on Saturday. To support Andrew and Jennie's fundraiser efforts, you can search for 3 for 21 – Trisomy 21 Fundraiser Challenge on iDonate. All donations are greatly appreciated.
Irish Independent
14-05-2025
- Sport
- Irish Independent
Dublin Marathon organisers pay tribute to ‘great stalwart' and ‘true gentleman'
Described as a 'true gentleman', Mr Dolan passed away peacefully on May 12 at the Hermitage Clinic. Originally from Rialto, Mr Dolan was living in Sallins, Co Kildare, and was a member of Liffey Valley Running Club and a familiar face in the running community. His funeral Mass will be held at 10am on Friday, May 16, in St Agnes's Church, Crumlin. Dublin Marathon organisers took to social media to say it was with 'great sadness' they shared the news of the passing of one of their 'great stalwarts'. 'Eamon was a beloved part of marathon weekend and played an integral role in the Dublin Marathon – from being the main MC at the expo, to sharing his deep knowledge of Dublin to help shape the event's route,' they said. 'On race day, he was always the first out on the course and proudly led the women's field as our lead driver. 'Eamon was a true gentleman, known for his sharp wit, kind smile, and generous spirit. He was one of life's great characters, and he will be deeply missed by all of us and the wider running community. 'Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this time,' they added. Tributes poured in under the post, with one mourner saying they had met Eamon through running. 'Taking part myself in the Dublin City Marathon since the 80s, we talked running,' they said. 'I haven't run the marathon in years due to injury, but I love to stand on SCR and support every year. Eamon always beeped and waved as he was driving the leading car. 'He was a true gentleman, a Liberty man, a lifelong friend, a brilliant athlete – and he will be truly missed.' Another added that he was the 'kindest gentleman' they had met. One other said it would be a 'huge loss' for the marathon, saying his energy and experience led to 'better experiences' for many competitors.
