eNIGHT IS RUNAWAY SUCCESS

A new course record was set at this year’s Gorey Night Run with Ger Forde from Wexford completing the 5KM race in just 15 minutes 33 seconds.

It was the fourth and biggest ever Gorey Night Run to date with more than 1,000 people hitting the streets of Gorey in aid of North Wexford Hospice Homecare. Along with a huge amount of locals, this year’s entrants included people from Dublin, Carlow, Wicklow, Waterford and one family travelling from Belfast for the fundraising event.

There was a great buzz of excitement around Civic Square from early evening. Anthony Donohoe provided background music, while Shelly Askins performed the warm up and John Hegarty in charge of the starting line.

Coming in in second place was Myles Gibbons while Patrick Curley came home in third place.

Well known runner Jackie Cathy took first place in the ladies category, followed by Clodagh Kelly and Ashling Kirwan in third. The under-16 boy winners were Padraig Doyle, Tadhg McShane and Padraig Murphy, while in the girls it was Jill Stephens, Cara Sheils and Sara Stephens. 'It was really fantastic to see the response for such a really good cause,’ said race organiser. John Hegarty. ‘North Wexford Hospice do fantastic work for so many families in really difficult circumstances and it was great to support its efforts.’ He added that it was really heartening to see so many people out exercising and having fun, especially so many young people. All the participants seemed to leave Civic Square with a smile on their face. 'We couldn’t do it without such fantastic support from the local businesses along with help of Gardaí, the Coast Guard, the ambulance service and South East security and all those who volunteered on the night,’ said John.

‘We put a lot of effort into the night and I think that’s one of the reasons it’s getting bigger each year.’

The organisers were delighted with the response again this year and thanked all businesses and individuals who helped to make the event such an outstanding success.

The organisers of Gorey Night Run thanked all their sponsors: Altura Credit Union, Whelan Pharmacy, Porters Bar Killenagh, CJ O Loughlin’s, Kavanagh Crane Hire, The Stables Fitness, Redmond Hotels, O Gorman Law, The Beacon Hospital, French’s Bar, Bastion, Gorey Tiles, Matty Cousins Coach Hire, The Fitness Tailor, Crossfit Gorey, Bank of Ireland, AIB, Paddy Blues, Graphedia, Sprint design.

The amount raised for North Wexford Hospice Homecare will be announced later.

Runners with Patrick Curley Peak Fitness Studio.

Gorey Night Run in aid of North Wexford Hospice.

Slawek Bosy, Donna Nolan, Teresa Tobin, Justin Nolan, Aoife Tunney, Michael Pris

Paula Redmond, Joanne Stapleton and Lisa Kenny.

Áine O’ Sullivan, Caoimhe Lawless and Orla Hall.

Sisters Melissa and Leann Boland with Orla Hoey.

Therapist Angela Murphy-O’Connor with Emer Barrett.

Sinead Carton, Eugene Doherty and Peggy Byrne.

Bill Armstrong with his son Aaron.

Jim Pender, Aidan

Cllr John Hegarty with his children Abigail, Eli and Tara Faye.

Valerie Power and Ciara Spellman.

Ellie Jane Merrigan, Georgina Wadding and Jane Merrigan.

Yvonne Weavers with her guide dog ‘Macy’ and guide runner Gareth Mitchell.

Sisters Niamh O’ Kelly and Grainne Short.

Jim Pender, Aidan Maher, Charlie Timmons and Kieran Byrne.

Ailish Ivanoff with her daughter Grace Ivonoff.

Kathleen Byrne and Eileen Kavanagh.