Competition and leisure mix at Castlepollard GAA fun day
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Participants in the run/walk ready to start on Sunday morning; the route took them to Tullynally Castle and back to the GAA club.Image 2 of 17
Eoin English, Senior Winner.Image 3 of 17
Alexi Kelly, Denis Etherson and Ruby Etherson.Image 4 of 17
Lynda Barr making food on the barbecue for participants.Image 5 of 17
Liam Mckenna, Grace Mckenna, Ellie McKenna, Ciara McKenna.Image 6 of 17
David Kennedy and Glen Flynn thanking event sponsors.Image 7 of 17
Andrew Dowdall, Joe Ivory, John Vaughan and Gary Cole. Photos and article by Jay G FordeImage 8 of 17
Peadar O’Reilly, Minor winner.Image 9 of 17
Ryan Higgins, U12 winner.Image 10 of 17
Emily and Luke Dermody having fun on the bouncy castle.Image 11 of 17
Noah Barr, Emelia Barr and Cian Halpin.Image 12 of 17
Sarah Mallaghan, Isabella Mallaghan, Lynda Barr helping register participants for the run and walk 5k.Image 13 of 17
Cormac Halpin and Colton Barr.Image 14 of 17
Mia Greville and Greville.Image 15 of 17
Darragh Tierney, Paul Dermody, Martin Egan, Cllr Alfie Devine (vice-chairperson), Sharon Halpin ( underage chairperson), Lynda Barr (underage secretary), Ger Halpin (chairperson), Darren Mccormack and Colm Dermody.Image 16 of 17
Conor Tiernan, Laura Murtagh, Darragh Tiernan, Sarah-Jane Tiernan, Colm Dermody, Blathnaid Dermody, Bobby Tiernan.Image 17 of 17
Sean Dermody, Conor Gaffney, Oisin Gaffney and Barry Dowdall.There were various types of spirit at the first family run and walk fundraiser organised by Castlepollard GAA on Sunday, from community to competitive and social.
Funds raised will go to the local hurling and camogie club, chairperson Ger Halpin told the Westmeath Examiner at the event. Ger praised the efforts of the senior hurlers and added: “The main drive behind this is to raise money for the club, particularly Colm McCormack, but also to bring everyone together for a bit of family fun.”
Participants set off from the club entrance, up to Tullynally Castle and completed two laps before returning, a route just shy of 5km.
While some runners took the challenge competitively, many families opted for a leisurely walk, creating an atmosphere that blended sport and a fun day out.
After the cheerful run, the energy continued back at the club grounds where there was a bouncy castle for children, a barbecue, and refreshments.
Ger said: “It’s our first year running this event, but there’s already a great buzz about it. It looks like something we’ll make an annual tradition.”
There were cash prizes for the top finishers in three categories. Senior winner Eoin English won €100, Minor winner Peadar O’Reilly won €50 and U12s winner Ryan Higgins won €20.
Organisers expressed their gratitude to the sponsors who supported the event, including the Castle Varagh Hotel, Bigwood Properties, and McCormack’s Bar.