Ciarán Carr Fun Run for the family still open to applicants

By Maurice Garvey

LAST minute applicants are encouraged to sign up for the annual Ciarán Carr Foundation 5K Family Fun Run / Walk, which takes place on Sunday, October 2.

Over 400 people have already signed up for the popular event, which will see all proceeds raised go towards Clondalkin Helping Homeless (CHH) – who provide nightly assistance to those affected by the housing and homelessness crisis.

In early 2012, just two months shy of his 21st birthday, Ciarán Carr collapsed while training with Round Towers senior football team – his death attributed to Sudden Adult Death Syndrome (SADS).

He had already booked his 21st birthday party and family and friends ensured the night went ahead – raising €24,000 for the CRY Foundation in Tallaght Hospital.

With help from the community, Ciarán’s parents Gemma and Philip, set up the foundation to prevent sudden cardiac death tragedies occurring in Round Towers and the wider community.

Two previous events have raised funds to place defibrillators in every school in the wider Clondalkin area and in publicly accessible locations in the community.

Gemma welcomed the opportunity to help CHH, saying the “homeless crisis today has brought families, couples and individuals to their knees.”

“By teaming up with CHH, we want to ensure that nobody goes without food, warm clothing and more importantly a helping hand,” said Gemma.

CHH founder and Independent councillor Francis Timmons, believes this will be “an opportunity for the community to send a message that it isn’t okay for adults and children to be left without a home or even adequate provision.”

Participants are collecting their tops on Friday and Saturday at Round Towers GAA Club.

The event on Sunday starts at 12 noon, but participants are advised to arrive a half-an-hour early.

Organisers encourage anyone attending to arrive by foot if they can, as the car park can only hold so much.

A post-race celebration with refreshments, music and children’s entertainment, follows the event and concludes at 2pm.

To register, visit the Ciarán Carr Foundation on Facebook or log on to www.iRegister.ie and search Ciarán Carr Foundation 5K.

All ages are welcome with adult entry €10 and free for under 16s.