‘Team Ronan’ works wonders for St Oliver’s

ST OLIVER’S National School Principal Rory D’Arcy said being part of ‘Team Ronan’, which raised funds for the school in last year’s Dublin City Marathon, was “the most unbelievable experience”, and he thanked Tony and Caroline Foley for helping to raise almost €3,700 for the school.

Experienced marathon runner Tony Foley pushed his wheelchair-bound son – Ronan, a sixth-class pupil at St Oliver’s – around the course in last year’s Dublin City Marathon, but the duo was accompanied and helped out during the effort by a group made up of parents and school staff members.

The fund-raising venture proved hugely successful in raising funds for the school, and these funds will now be invested in St Oliver’s special classes.

It was inspired by the father-and-son pair ‘Team Hoyt’ in Massachusetts. Dick Huyt has helped his son, Rick, who has cerebral palsy, take part in a large number of sporting events, and this led to Ronan completing his first marathon last year.

Rory was part of the group that took part during the marathon with Tony and Ronan, and he was left astounded at the experience.

“The positivity we encountered from fellow runners and the crowd was a sight to behold,” Rory said. “It was an absolute privelege to be a part of it.

“For me, I can only describe it as the nearest experience I’ll ever have to running around Croke Park, showing a trophy to the crowd.”

Photo by Michelle Cooper Galvin Ronan Foley (front, centre) presenting the cheque of €3688.39, the proceeds of Team Ronan’s completion of the 2018 Dublin City Marathon, to St Oliver’s National School Principal Rory D’Arcy. Dad Tonyis also at the front. Back from left: Mum, Caroline; Catherine Doyle; Colm Ó Muircheártaigh and Noreen Sheehan.