Rugby star Joe McCarthy joins Fintan Bray to launch Down Syndrome Ireland’s Purple Run
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NO REPRO FEE.Kathrina Bray (left) with Andrew McCarthy, Joe McCarthy, Liam Foley, Elisha Gallagher, Fintan Bray pictured together as they join Down Syndrome Ireland for the Purple Run this October. Run a marathon across the month to raise vital funds. Sign up at purplerun.ie PIC. ROBBIE REYNOLDSImage 2 of 4
NO REPRO FEE.Kathrina Bray (left) with Andrew McCarthy, Joe McCarthy, Liam Foley, Elisha Gallagher, Fintan Bray pictured together as they join Down Syndrome Ireland for the Purple Run this October. Run a marathon across the month to raise vital funds. Sign up at purplerun.ie PIC. ROBBIE REYNOLDSImage 3 of 4
NO REPRO FEE.Joe McCarthy and his brother Andrew are joining Down Syndrome Ireland for the Purple Run this October. Run a marathon across the month to raise vital funds. Sign up at purplerun.ie PIC. ROBBIE REYNOLDSImage 4 of 4
Andrew McCarthy, Kathrina Bray, Liam Foley and Joe McCarthy are joining Down Syndrome Ireland for the Purple Run this October. Run a marathon across the month to raise vital funds. PIC. ROBBIE REYNOLDSIrish rugby international Joe McCarthy has officially joined forces with his brother Andrew and members of Down Syndrome Ireland (DSI) to launch the 2026 Purple Run, calling on the nation to lace up their runners this autumn for a powerful cause.
Among the ambassadors for the fundraising event is keen runner and Delvin man, Fintan Bray. Fintan is joined by his sister Kathrina, taking on the challenge together this October.
Taking place throughout October, Down Syndrome Awareness Month, the Purple Run is a flexible virtual fitness challenge, when are invited to walk, jog, or run a marathon distance of 42km (26.2 miles) at their own pace.
Fintan is the chairperson of Down Syndrome Ireland’s National Advisory Council and a passionate runner, currently training for his first half marathon.
He and his siblings, including sister Kathrina enjoy the fitness and social aspect of being active.
Fintan said: “I love running, for me personally it’s about expressing myself in a different way, running is free, fresh and a way of loving life.”
Fintan began running just last year and is now training for a half marathon. “The Purple Run is a different way to spend time with your family and friends. If you’re not a runner, you can walk, jog, push a baby in a pram – for me, it’s all about going out and enjoying it.”
Every euro raised through the initiative will fund the core DSI services nationwide, assisting individuals with Down syndrome, from early intervention to inclusive education, clubs and classes, and employment opportunities.
Joe McCarthy said: “I’m proud to stand alongside Andrew and support Down Syndrome Ireland. The work they do to empower people with Down syndrome across the country is incredible.”
His brothre Andrew McCarthy, added: “I’m delighted to launch the Purple Run with Joe! Staying active and being part of a team is so important to me. Getting involved is a fantastic way for families, friends, and colleagues to get out in the fresh air and make a big difference for people with Down syndrome.”
You can take part as an individual, group, school or workplace and raise funds for your local branch by signing up at Purplerun.ie.
Participants receive an exclusive, limited-edition Purple Run running top, a calendar to track their steps, and access to a Purple Run community Facebook page.