Over €65,000 raised in Carlow for St Clare’s kitchen in ‘outrun hunger’
Fr Dunphy presents Brid Hearne who won the female 10k race
MORE than €65,000 was raised for St Clare's Hospitality Kitchen when 350 runners took part in a fundraising race.⯠Runners and walkers took part in the 5km and 10km races on a sunny Saturday morning 17 October. The looped run started at Carlow Rugby club and took participants along a scenic route with views of the Oak Park estate.⯠Event sponsor and co-organiser David Walsh of HaloCare commended those who took part for their "fantastic community spirit" while more than 50 stewards made sure the race ran smoothly.â¯The run attracted huge attention and support locally and beyond, thanks to David and his co-organiers, Rachel Doyle who owns the Arboretum and business woman, Jacqui McNabb.
Much-needed funds were raised for St Clare's kitchen which provides more than 30,000 meals a year to those experiencing food poverty. Every €2 raised from provides a meal to someone impacted by food insecurity.⯠"Irish people understand hunger," said David. "It's so sad that food poverty is an issue in 2026."
The flat course made the event accessible to all levels, from beginners to serious racers. Every finisher received a medal and a commemorative t-shirt.⯠Ian Molloy and Leah Lawler won the 5km distance while Emmet Darcy and Brid Hearne took on an extra lap of the route and won the 10km distance.â¯The REL group won the team 5km and St Laurence O'Toole's Athletics Club took home the cup for the fastest 10km.
"It couldn't have gone better," remarked David. He said that many of the runners told him it was the best course they had ever ran.⯠Many local groups including An Garda Síochána, Carlow County Council and sports clubs in the area took part.⯠David thanked local business owners for all their help with the event, particularly for donating prizes for the raffle. He also thanked Teagasc at Oak Park for allowing them to redesign the route to make it even more scenic. â¯
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