Tots, teens and seasoned walkers step it out for Gaelscoil walkathon
Children from third class taking part in the walkathon
SPIRITED tots, energetic teens, active grandparents, seasoned walkers and even a few sleepy parents!
Yes, Gaelscoil Eoghain Uí Thuairisc welcomed them all, as huge numbers came out to support the primary school’s first 24-hour walkathon.
The fundraising event, organised by the school’s parents’ association Cairde, was deemed a huge success, with walkers coming out in their droves over a 24-hour period from noon on Friday to the same time on Saturday. In fact the event has raised in excess of €16,000 with support still coming in.
The event kicked off with the pupils energetically taking to the track and creating an atmosphere of fun, camaraderie and goodwill for all. Team leaders, supported by generous corporate sponsors, then took charge of the timeslots, with each group showing a huge pep in their step as they took to the running track at St Laurence O’Toole Athletic Club.
The event was held to raise funds to provide a senior playground for the school, with people digging deep to give generously.
“On behalf of the Cairde steering committee, we would like to say a huge thank you to all involved in the walkathon. We had such an incredible number of volunteers taking part and this event wouldn’t have been made possible without their overwhelming support,” said Cairde chairperson Nicola Browne.
“Thank you to all of our team leaders, who have worked so hard gathering volunteers and sponsorship, and to our huge number of corporate sponsors,” she added.
Nicola also thanked Áras na nÓg and Gaelcholáiste Cheatharlach, who came on board with a team and sponsorship, and there was also a warm welcome for the school’s former príomhoide Bríd de Róiste and Aingeal Uí Dhalaigh, who took part.
Following a full 24 hours of walking, the school enjoyed a much-needed cupán tae, which Seery’s Bakery, Angela’s Baked goods and Carpenters kindly donated to.
Cairde also thanked Scats Bouncing Castles for the start/finish arch and St Laurence O’Toole’s for the use of its fantastic facilities.
