An update from our families behind Monagea for CRY Remembering Niamh and Darra 2023.
The sun rose in West Limerick on Saturday May 29th and dutifully shone all day, sending positive energy to the large crowd that gathered in Monagea for the CRY charity walk/run/cycle. Raising funds for CRY Ireland has always been the goal and creating awareness of Sudden Adult Death syndrome since the death of Niamh Herlihy and Darra O’Donovan in 2011 of SADS.
Over 250 cyclists set off at 9am, some peddling the 50km route and the others tackling the 100km, it was a colourful sight, seeing them all head off towards NCW, to travel the roads of West Limerick. A welcome food stop in Tour half way round, gave them a boost to return to Monagea. Meanwhile the runners and walkers were gathering in large numbers for the 5km and 10km. The hall in Monagea was buzzing, the music and face painting adding to the event, everyone keen to meet up with those who they hadn’t seen since covid times. Approximately 400 people took part in the run/walk and they along with the cyclists all returned safely for a cup of tea and some treats. The day was a huge success the numbers attended, proving appetite for the event is still very strong.
Niamh and Darra’s families along the with the organising committee would like to thank everyone for their time. Those who took part, Monagea Hall, Tournafulla Hall, all those who donated money, food and drinks, equipment and services thank you. To the walk/run stewards along the route and in Monagea Hall who helped with parking and landowners who provided parking, we are very grateful. Thanks so much to the small army of marshals who were plotted carefully along the cycle route, and those who drove with the cyclists, thank you for being there. Thank you so much to the kitchen helpers, who provided everyone with freshly made sandwiches, treats and tea, as much as you could eat, the grub is always spot on. To those who took posters and shared our event on line, we appreciate it all. Thank you to Tom Brouder, West Limerick AC, Pierce, Tom, Dan and Mike, Desmond Sportive CC and Newcastle West CC, we could not have run this event without your expertise and commitment. A final mention to all those whose lives are lost through SADS and the families that are left behind. To Niamh and Darra who sent the sunshine, we hope you are looking on with a smile on your face.
Head to Facebook for all the images from the day.