It was on a Bright March Morning……

Main picture: Maura Browne's photograph shows the contenders, the Fun-Runners and thew walkers heading off on the second annual Scoil Muire Gan Smál 5K on Sunday morning. 23-3-2014 — Main picture: Maura Browne’s photograph shows the contenders, the Fun-Runners and the walkers heading off on the second annual Scoil Muire Gan Smál 5K on Sunday morning. 23-3-2014

Over 200 runners, walkers and buggy-pushers alike turned up on a bright, sunny March morning to enjoy the Muire Gan Smál Presentation Primary fundraising 5k Fun Run/Walk on Sunday. There was a great display of community spirit amongst the mix of athletes, local business people, families and friends. The children excitedly got ready to show off the results of their recent Desk-to-5K training programme as the ‘Off’ time approached.

Much Needed Funds

The Parents’ Association and Fun Run committee of: Tina Donovan, Louise Nolan, Maura Browne, Hannah O’Connell, Eva Nolan, Norma Moran and Noreen Hartnett organised the event to raise much-needed funds for the school. All funds raised will be used for the benefit of the pupils of Muire Gan Smál.

The Fun Run/Walk was a healthy, fun and active fundraiser that ensured we sent the right message to the pupils about getting active, having fun and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Ed Murphy, Gneeveguilla AC was the first home while Siobhán Daly, An Riocht won the women's race at the second annual Scoil Muire Gan Smál 5K Road Race and Fun Run on Sunday morning. ©Photographs: John Reidy — Ed Murphy, Gneeveguilla AC was the first home while Siobhán Daly, An Riocht won the women’s race at the second annual Scoil Muire Gan Smál 5K Road Race and Fun Run on Sunday morning. ©Photographs: John Reidy

Competitive Side

The main focus of this event was on participation and creating a great day of fun for the children and their families. All children received a medal on the day but there was also the more competitive side to things amongst the athletes involved. The following is a list of some of the main winners on the day: Senior Men: 1^st. Ed Murphy; 2^nd. Arthur Fitzgerald; 3^rd. Robert Purcell Jnr. Ladies: 1^st. Siobhan Daly; 2^nd. Jill O’Sullivan; 3^rd. Mary Barrett. Over 40’s. 1^st. man: Robert Purcell Snr. 1^st. lady: Caroline Martin. Over 50’s. 1^st. man: Kevin Griffin. 1^st. lady: Catherine McCarthy. 1^st. Parent & Child: Mike and Ailish Donovan. 1^st. Primary School girl: Grace Cahill. 1^st. Primary School Boy: Kian Downey. 1^st. Junior Girl: Nicole Downey. 1^st. Junior Boy: Adam Donoghue.

Array of Refreshments

“The Parents’ Association provided a fabulous array of refreshments in the school hall after the event and this was enjoyed by all. We would like to thank everybody for all the help and positive feedback we received so far. We’d like to thank our many sponsors who supported us again this year. The 5K has now become an established, annual fundraising event at the school – following two years of phenomenal success. We look forward to seeing you again next year,” said the delighted committee members.