Gaelscoil take on 24-hour walkathon test

GAELSCOIL Eoghain Uí Thuairisc in Carlow town is set to host an ambitious 24-hour walkathon this weekend, with more than 450 pupils, teachers, parents and guardians participating in a relay-style fundraising event for a new senior playground.

The walkathon will kick off at noon on Friday 28 February, with teachers and pupils leading the first two-hour leg around the school grounds, which will then relocate to St Laurence O’Toole Athletic Club. More than 20 teams will then take turns throughout the day and night, with each hour-long shift working towards the Saturday noon finish line.

“We’re hoping to build a senior playground,” said Nicola Browne, a member of the school’s parent association steering committee. 

“There are over 450 kids in the school, and while they have a junior playground, we want to get a timber-frame playground with climbing frames.” 

The community spirit is evident, with team leaders securing corporate sponsorships and team members each aiming to raise at least €50 through personal sponsorships from friends, family and neighbours. Some participants are showing particular spirit, taking on the night-owl and morning-lark shifts between 11pm and 7am.

“It’s mostly parents walking, but some grandparents are taking part, too,” said Nicola, highlighting the cross-generational support for the initiative.

The event, she says, will conclude with a well-deserved “cupán tae” at noon on Saturday 1 March. The organising committee welcomes additional corporate sponsorships, with interested parties invited to contact cairdegaelscoil@gmail.com or the school directly.