The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
Farranfore 5k is a fitting tribute to Mary’s legacy
BUILD4LIFE Chairperson Joe Browne has said that Friday’s ‘Kerry Airport 5k Run’ will serve as a fitting tribute to the memory of Mary Hand just over ten years on from her passing.
Mary died at the age of 23 from Cystic Fibrosis, but her legacy is as bright now as it’s ever been.
Joe emphasises that without Mary’s brave articulation on the need for greater facilities for cystic fibrosis patients, the charity, which has raised almost €4,000,000 for Cystic Fibrosis care in Cork University Hospital, would not be here today.
“Around 25 per cent of Ireland’s Cystic Fibrosis Patients attend Cork University Hospital,” Joe explains, “and Mary was central to Build4Life’s foundation and the much needed work the foundation has done since.”
Among the charity’s many achievements are an adult outpatient clinic opened at CUH in June 2011, adult isolated inpatient bedrooms for the hospital, and investment in a new children’s isolated Cystic Fibrosis facility.
Its latest fundraising event is the Kerry Airport 5k Run, a fun, family-orientated event organised by the charity and west Munster rugby clubs.
“You can still register online by searching the event on www.eventmaster.ie, but it has to be done before midnight tomorrow (Thursday) as registration on the day is prevented due to airport security measures,” Joe says.
“Entry is €20 for adults and €10 for under-16s, and there’s no emphasis on ability, it’s all about taking part and enjoying the night.”
The format of the event was inspired by similar events in Shannon and Cork airports, as well as other airports across Europe.
“It was something I’d read about, and it immediately struck me as a great idea!” Joe explains.
“There’s a lot of people from rugby clubs in west Munster working at the airport, and with their co-operation the first such event based in Kerry will take flight on Friday.
There will be further excitement after the run, as all are welcome to Castlesisland’s Crown Hotel, where there will be free food, a live band and a disco to treat those who come along.
“Again, it’s another bit of fun, and we can get together and talk about Mary and the hugely positive legacy she’s carved out”, Joe said.
The event gets underway this coming Friday, October 7 at 8.30pm.