James O’Shaughnessy (Chairperson), Joy O’Donoghue, Warren HIggins (Curraghchase Caravan Park), Councillor Stephen Keary (Mayor of Limerick City and County), Erin Sugrue, Ger Mann and Councillor Michael Sheahan (President of Limerick Community Games). Front row: Jason O’Shaughnessy, Nicola Dore (Para Power Lifter) and Ruairi Maher.
On Friday 4th August the Curraghchase 10k Run/Walk launch night took place at Curraghchase Caravan and Campsite. The Curraghchase 10k is now in its 6th year, and speaking at the launch night, Curraghchase 10k chairman James O’Shaughnessy said that this year’s race, which takes place on August 20th, promises to be the biggest yet. A huge thank you to all our supporters who made the launch one of our favourites to date. From the community that came out and supported in great numbers to our Limerick sports stars, Kayleigh Maher Limerick Rose, Nikki Dore, Mayor of Limerick Stephen Keary and of course Facebook star Buff Egan, you all made this a very special event and we are extremely grateful for your time and generosity.
Speaking of gratitude, a special mention has to go to our sponsors The Prescription Centre, Limerick College of Further Education, Supermacs, Kirby Electrical, Cois Sionna Credit Union, O’Mara Used Cars, John Barry, AIG Properties Ltd, Curraghchase Caravan and Camping and Coillte. While thanking everyone for turning up at the launch, James said that the support and interest this year from both sponsors and participants was huge. He also thanked Coillte, for the use of the forest park, pointing out that it was the stunning scenery that make the Curraghchase 10k one of the most popular 10ks amongst runners and walkers in Munster.
In keeping with the Run/Walk’s slogan “Take The Scenic Route”, the Curraghchase 10Km Run/ Walk is staged through the picturesque woodland area of Curraghchase Forest Park and around the former residence of famous Irish poet, Aubrey de Vere. This road race will also take in many of the forest parks sites of interest including, the Gerard McDonnell Memorial Tree planted in memory of local Kilcornan man Gerard McDonnell, who was the first Irish man to reach the summit of K2. James mentioned that this year the Curraghchase 10k are delighted to be teamed up with TLC4CF as their chosen charity for 2017.
James also mentioned that registration numbers are already higher than the previous 2 years. Participants can register now online at kilcornan.com and if they get in early and within the first 500, they will receive a deluxe sports pack, which consists of a sports bag, sponsors goodies/promotions and offers. They will also receive the Curraghchase 10k Run/Walk Jersey which was worn by the sporting stars on the launch night and a race medal. Registration for adults is €20, €10 for under 18s and kids under 12 are free. Speaking about the popularity of the race James revealed that they already had people registered from Cork, Clare, Kerry, Tipperary, Galway, Kilkenny, Dublin and all over the country, cementing the fact that the Curraghchase 10k has become one of the “must do” 10k’s in the racing calendar. His advice to anyone who wants to take part is to register early online at kilcornan.com and hopefully get in on time for the race packs.
Finally James thanked the sponsors of the event saying that the Curraghchase 10k Run/Walk would not be as popular, successful or even possible without their support.