Runners to raise funds for cystic fibrosis

RUNNERS from all over Dublin will converge on Castleknock next month for a race to raise funds for cystic fibrosis and awareness of organ donation.

Dublin footballers Alan Brogan and Ciaran Kilkenny lined out with one of Ireland’s most successful runners, Catherina McKiernan, to launch the inaugural Castleknock 5km run which will take place on Sunday, July 13.

The race will take runners and walkers on a new course starting at Castleknock College and travelling through the magnificent Farmleigh Estate in the Phoenix Park.

The event is being held in memory of Castleknock man Rory Doherty who passed away last June after a tragic work accident at just 33-years-of-age.

As a result of Rory’s organ donations, four lives were saved in Ireland through kidney, pancreas, liver and lung transplants. However, the story took an interesting twist when an RAF jet touched down in Dublin Airport for the first time in 20 years and took his heart to England where the fifth recipient received the gift of life as a result of Rory’s tragic death.

Rory played a large part in what was a record-breaking year in 2013 for organ transplantation in Ireland, with 294 carried out in Irish hospitals.

Race organiser and close friend of Rory’s, Kate O’Neill, who was selected for the Irish World Mountain running team in 2010, said:

“As a local runner I had always felt there should be a race in Castleknock. After the tragic loss of Rory, I felt it was the ideal opportunity to start the event in memory of a great person who touched so many lives, even after his death. We expect upwards of 1,000 people to take part.

“I would like to thank Alan, Ciaran and Catherina for supporting the event and also to Rory’s family for their backing. Everyone is welcome to sign-up for the race and it promises to be a very special day.

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Along with raising awareness for organ donation, the race will raise funds for Cystic Fibrosis Ireland, a charity close to Rory’s heart through his friend Marie Duffy.

Marie’s daughter Grace was born with cystic fibrosis in 2011 and since then she has helped to raise over e60,000 for the cause.

“I was deeply moved when Rory’s family chose cystic fibrosis as the charity for the event,

? she said.

“I am delighted to announce that money raised from the race will be used to set up a Dublin West branch, supporting people affected by cystic fibrosis in the local area.

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Details of the race can be found by following Castleknock5km on Facebook and Twitter. The race is open to all participants over the age of 12. The event is sponsored by Paddy Power and supported by local businesses including Westbrook Motors, Match Girl Cards and MenuPages.ie.

Online entry is e20 and people can register now on precisiontiming.primo-solutions. sxco.uk/ps/event/Castle knock5KmRun2014