Tyrrellspass up and running and ready for dingle
The genesis of the idea of Tyrrellspass runners taking part in the Dingle half marathon goes back as far back as March of last year, when Maurice Fitzgerald and Clare Dunne took on the task of training the young athletes of Tyrrellspass for the Community Games.
They noticed that parents were waiting for the kids or returning to pick them up, so they suggested staying and taking part in the over 18s training, and everyone was welcome, regardless of ability.
At the start of 2014, the adult group of approximately 10 people looked to see what events they could line up to participate in, as the children were all busy training for 2014 Community Games, and the idea of competing in the Dingle Half Marathon on Saturday September 6, was touted as a goal, as Maurice and Clare had done the event in 2012. At that point, few of them could run more than three miles, never mind 13.1.
Lured with the promise of an organised training plan and the scenery of the Dingle Peninsula, it seemed like a good idea.
In March 2014, they started the Sunday morning long runs and over the weeks, the runs increased to 12 miles. As the distances crept up, so did the number of people looking to participate in the half marathon: now there are 23 athletes trained and signed up for Dingle.
One of the charities linked to the Dingle Half Marathon is the Irish Cancer Society, and the group decided to support it. After the race on the morning of September 6, the team will return to Tyrrellspass to celebrate with a fundraising evening at Willie’s with music by Wagon Wheel.
Local businesses have been generous with sponsorship and donations of prizes for the group’s fundraising raffle, from coach hire to offers of fuel, cash donations, restaurant vouchers, butchers voucher, donation of plants, personalised knitted and embroidery products, GAA All-Star jerseys, an official World Cup football, 4 Ball golf voucher and wine hampers.
Two local sports physiotherapists have offered sports massages for the runners, ensuring they are ready to dance the night away in Willie’s Bar.
They invite you to join them on the night, and there are sponsorship cards in all the shops in Tyrrellspass or you can donate at MyCharity.ie.
The running group meet every Wednesday at 6.30pm at Tyrrellspass GAA and on Sundays at 8am at Jamie’s Cozy Coffee, where they regroup for a cuppa afterwards. Training for children re-commences on September 24; all welcome (free for U18s and €2 per adult).