Final countdown to annual Ronan Clarke memorial fundraiser

Athletics: The 2026 annual Ronan Clarke 10k run and 5k run/walk takes place from the Killala Community Centre next Sunday, June 7 at 12 noon. The event will yet again raise funds for the Mayo Roscommon Hospice and the Killala GAA Benevolent Fund.

This event is organised each year by Killala GAA and the Clarke family to honour Ronan who sadly passed away in May 2014 following a year-long battle with cancer. He sadly left behind his wife Sinead, three daughters Aoibhean, Saorla and Meadbh, his parents, three siblings and many friends.

Ronan played for Killala GAA through all underage grades and represented the club at adult level for many years. He captained the Killala team in 2006 who captured the Connacht Junior Club Championship crown after defeating Clifden in the final. He also won county championships with Killala in 2000 and 2008. Ronan played his final game for Killala just a few months before his diagnosis. He is remembered as a leader within all teams he played for and particularly to younger players who he always had an encouraging word for.

Ronan held many roles throughout the years on the administration side of Killala GAA and was the serving vice-chairperson at the time of his untimely death. Ronan was also a highly respected coach within the Killala club and coached many players who went on to play with him in the latter years of his career, many of these players still represent Killala to this day.

Away from the football field, Ronan was well known for his broadcasting work. He was a television presenter on RTÉ’s ‘Ear to The Ground’ for many years. As part of this role, he travelled to many parts of the world but often had to adjust plans so he could be home to represent his beloved Killala. Ronan also worked as a producer in RTÉ’s GAA magazine programme ‘Breaking Ball’. In later years Ronan pursued a career in teaching and worked in Breaffy National School for a number of years.

In the lead up to this year’s event, while remembering Ronan, the Clarke family and Killala GAA Club also remember two club stalwarts Eddie Walsh and Martin Farrell who sadly passed away since last year’s run. Both men were very active club members in Killala GAA with Eddie being the chairman of the Club Developments Committee. Martin managed the Killala junior team up to 2025 and was managing the Naomh Padraig minors at the time of his untimely passing this April. Both men will be in the thoughts of all involved on the day.

Since the inaugural run held in 2015 Killala GAA club together with the Clarke family are extremely proud to have raised over €95,000 for the event’s chosen charities, and again this year hope to significantly add to this amount.

Prizes are on offer for both males and females in U12, U14, U16 and adult grades for the 5k race and male and female categories in the 10k race. The much sought after Ronan Clarke Memorial Cup will be awarded to the first member of Killala GAA club who crosses the finish line in the 10k race. Presentations will be made to all prize winners after and refreshments will be served.

This year’s race will be started by special guest Laurita Blewitt.

Registration will take place at Killala Community Centre from 10:30am with a registration fee of €15 for the 5k race and €25 for the 10k race.

For those who cannot attend but would like to donate to the nominated charities, they can do so on the GoFundMe website by searching Ronan Clarke 10K and 5K Run and Walk. The page will also be shared on all of Killala GAA’s social media pages.

Any further information required can be obtained from phoning Niall on 086-2721238 or emailing ronan.clarkerun@yahoo.com.