HercOileán – Course Set For a Big, Big Family Day

All this and more...The HercOileán 2015 organising group and sponsors at the re-launch at An Riocht AC on Wednesday night. Included are, front from left: Jack Daly, Matthew Horgan and Gary Matthews. Back from left: Muiris Horgan and Ivan Stuart, EBS Castleisland branch; Patrick O'Connor and Luke Fitzgerald, athletes; Denis Brosnan, president, An Riocht AC; Bill Horgan and Dan Casey, Castleisland RFC and co-organisers and Tomás Griffin, An Riocht AC. ©Photograph: John Reidy — Setting the Scene: The EBS HercOileán 2015 organising group and sponsors at the re-launch at An Riocht AC on Wednesday night. Included are, front from left: Jack Daly, Matthew Horgan and Gary Matthews. Back from left: Muiris Horgan and Ivan Stuart, EBS Castleisland branch; Patrick O’Connor and Luke Fitzgerald, athletes; Denis Brosnan, president, An Riocht AC; Bill Horgan and Dan Casey, Castleisland RFC and co-organisers and Tomás Griffin, An Riocht AC. ©Photograph: John Reidy

In recognition of the enormity of Adam Donoghue’s involvement with the U-16 Basketball international between Ireland and Scotland in Castleisland on this Friday evening, An Riocht AC has moved its planned ‘HercOileán Na nÓg to tomorrow. It will now be run in conjunction with the main event in the morning.

Adam Donoghue’s late grand-dad, Denis Twomey, an avid athlete and Rás Tailteann cyclist, was a founder member of An Riocht AC. The alteration of events at An Riocht is as a mark of respect to his memory and to Adam’s outstanding achievement in the colours of his club and country.

Otherwise, there is little change in the planned fun, fun, fun, shortly after dawn to well after dark programme of events for Saturday.

The EBS HercOileán Island Warrior Challenge has attracted its share of children’s, family entertainment providers. There will be a bouncing castle, Hip Hop Dancing and food stalls there for the duration of daylight hours.

More a test of balance than an obstacle - poles set as part of tomorrow's HercOileán - Island Warrior Challenge at An Riocht AC. ©Photograph: John Reidy — More a test of balance than an obstacle – poles set as part of tomorrow’s HercOileán – Island Warrior Challenge at An Riocht AC. ©Photograph: John Reidy

The serious business of tackling the obstacles on the testing course will get underway in waves from 11-30am and will go on from 2pm to 3pm.

The range of attractions on site on the day promises to make it a fantastic family occasion.

Youth clubs and sports organisations around the county are being invited to enter

teams and make it an evening to remember.

Tyred: Another of those harmless looking but challenging obstacles on the HercOileán course. ©Photograph: John Reidy

Then there’s the after-party for the grown-ups with ‘Amazing Apples’ with bar facilities and food and more fun.

The first 350 to register for the challenge will receive a souvenir t-shirt and all participants will get a complimentary ticket to the after party with Amazing Apples. The group made it to the top 10 on the Irish iTunes Charts with their latest album. Entry is €35 this week with the late entry fee of €40 later in the week.

There’s also a special incentive by which corporate teams and groups can avail of ‘early booking discounted rates’ by emailing kate@riocht.ie or ringing 087 68 70 581.

“To find out more about the event and to book in your team or a stall space you can email:

kate@riocht.ie or contact 087 68 70 581 or just log on to: www.riocht.ie ” said An Riocht AC manager, Kate McSweeney and event co-organiser with Bill Horgan, Castleisland RFC.