Local charities to benefit from Run for Ronan

Killala GAA club are to host their annual Ronan Clarke 10k run and 5k run/walk next Sunday, June 8. Getting underway at 12noon from Killala Community Centre, the event will yet again raise funds for the Mayo Roscommon Hospice and the Killala GAA Benevolent Fund.

The Ronan Clarke Run 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 that captured the 2006 Connacht Junior Championship after defeating Clifden in the final. Ronan played his final game for Killala just a few months before his diagnosis.

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.

Away from the football field, Ronan was well known for his broadcasting work. He was a presenter on RTÉ’s ‘Ear to The Ground’ agriculture programme 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 ‘Breaking Ball’ GAA magazine programme. In later years Ronan pursued a career in teaching and worked in Breaffy National School for a number of years.

Since the inaugural run held in 2015, Killala GAA together with the Clarke family are extremely proud to have raised over €85,000 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 U12s, U14s, U16s, and adult grades for the 5k race and both 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 Gerry Glennon from Midwest Radio.

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

For those who cannot attend on the day but would like to donate to the nominated charities they can do so on the events GoFundMe page by searching 2024 Ronan Clarke Walk & Run on the GoFundMe website. 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.