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Irish Independent
16-07-2025
- Health
- Irish Independent
Cork City Marathon 2025 breaks fundraising records with over €307,000 raised for Irish charities
The Cork City Marathon 2025 has crossed a new finish line—raising more than €307,673 for charities and community organisations across Ireland, making it a record-breaking year for the annual event. Donations were made by more than 9,400 supporters, who rallied behind friends, family, and colleagues running in the full marathon, half marathon, and 10k races on Sunday, June 1. The result is a powerful show of generosity that will benefit dozens of causes across health, wellbeing, and community support sectors. After almost doubling the amounts fundraised last year, the Cork City Marathon has reinforced its role as more than just a sporting event—it's a powerful engine for change and community impact. Among the top beneficiaries this year were Breakthrough Cancer Research, Marymount University Hospice, Pieta, and the Irish Cancer Society, each receiving five-figure sums. Cork-based charities featured strongly, with substantial funds raised for Cork ARC Cancer Support House, The Mercy Hospital Foundation, CUH Charity, The Rainbow Club Cork Centre for Autism, and Iris House Cork Cancer Support. Other well-supported Cork causes included Enable Ireland, Cork Mental Health Foundation, Cork Simon Community, and Sanctuary Runners, who brought vibrant local representation to the race. Nationally, much-needed support also went to the Alzheimer Society of Ireland, Breast Cancer Ireland, Irish Heart Foundation, Epilepsy Ireland, Diabetes Ireland, Jack and Jill Children's Foundation, Ronald McDonald House Charities, and Mental Health Ireland, along with services like BUMBLEance, Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind, and Make-A-Wish Ireland. From cancer research and mental health to paediatric care, disability services, hospice care, and suicide prevention, the sheer range of causes supported is a testament to the deeply personal reasons that inspired thousands to take part in this year's event. Race Director Eamon Hayes praised the community spirit behind the figures: 'Every year, we are humbled by the kindness and determination shown by our runners and their supporters, and 2025 has been our most impactful yet. Mr Hayes continued: 'Whether running in memory of a loved one, in solidarity with a cause, or to give back to a service that's helped them, these fundraising efforts are at the heart of what makes the Cork City Marathon so special. 'It's not just a race. It's a platform for hope, solidarity, and genuine impact in our own communities,' he added. Donations continue to come in, but the figures already confirm 2025 as a record-breaking year for the marathon, whose campaign #YourRaceTheirHope really hit home. Early registration for the 2026 Cork City Marathon on Sunday, May 31 went on sale last week and are selling extremely fast this year. For more information, visit
Irish Examiner
08-07-2025
- Health
- Irish Examiner
Cork City Marathon runners raise record-breaking €307,000 for good causes
Good causes across the country are set to benefit from more than €307,000 raised by this year's Cork City Marathon. The impressive outcome was thanks to 9,400 supporters whose collective efforts drummed up a record-breaking €307,673, almost double last year's funds. This will now benefit charities and community organisations across the country. Breakthrough Cancer Research, Marymount University Hospice, Pieta, and the Irish Cancer Society, were among the most popular charities for 2025, with each receiving five-figure sums. Other charities included Cork ARC Cancer Support House, The Mercy Hospital Foundation, CUH Charity, The Rainbow Club Cork Centre for Autism, and Iris House Cork Cancer Support. Other well-supported Cork causes included Enable Ireland, Cork Mental Health Foundation, Cork Simon Community, and Sanctuary Runners. Director Eamon Hayes praised those who donated and showed their support for the event. 'Every year, we are humbled by the kindness and determination shown by our runners and their supporters, and 2025 has been our most impactful yet. 'Whether running in memory of a loved one, in solidarity with a cause, or to give back to a service that's helped them, these fundraising efforts are at the heart of what makes the Cork City Marathon so special. It's not just a race. It's a platform for hope, solidarity, and genuine impact in our own communities. Donations continue to be raised, but the figures to date already confirm 2025 as a record-breaking year for the marathon. Registration for the 2026 Cork City Marathon on May 31 are currently on sale. For more information, visit Read More Cork Marathon 2025
Irish Independent
07-07-2025
- Sport
- Irish Independent
See photos of riders and volunteers at start of ‘most successful' Ring of Kerry Cycle 2025
Though the many participants of the 180km event did not enjoy ideal weather all the way along the route, the vast majority battled through to complete the testing cycle. They were rewarded for their efforts as the home stretch back to Killarney was soaked in glorious sunshine, and riders were greeted by music and celebrations at the Beech Road car park. This year's event was dedicated to the late Paddy O'Donoghue (78), who died in a road collision last month while cycling in Kilgarvan. Mr O'Donoghue had been a fierce supporter of the cycle since it was established and participated in the event a total of 39 times. The late Mr O'Donoghue rode the event for many charities, as did the participants of this year's cycle. Among those who did the event this year were Olympic gold medalist Sonia O'Sullivan, who was riding for Breakthrough Cancer Research, and Anto 'Butch' Cronin, who took on the route on a penny-farthing to celebrate his 50th birthday. Eithne Murphy, from Castleisland, rode the Ring in aid of the Irish Kidney Association, the original beneficiary of the event. Ms Murphy cycled in gratitude for the kidney transplant her father and grandfather of five, Ted Murphy who lives in Gneeveguilla, received 12 years ago. Popular Killarney woman Bernie O'Sullivan (80), who has volunteered with the Irish Kidney Association since the first Ring of Kerry Cycle in 1982, crossed the finish line of the event on a novelty bicycle that was ridden around the route by a charity volunteer. The final amount raised by all the cyclists will be revealed at a special presentation in October. Cathal Walshe, Ring of Kerry Cycle PRO, told The Kerryman that organisers hope that at least €1 million has been raised for Irish charities by the participants of this year's event. Mr Walshe said experienced riders at the event told him that it remains the best charity cycle in the country. ADVERTISEMENT 'They said nothing comes close to the Ring of Kerry Cycle,' he said. 'And they were so well catered for by the line of food in Cahersiveen, Kenmare and Killarney on the way back that people actually put on weight rather than losing it!' Mr Walshe thanked the roughly 1,200 volunteers who were involved in road safety, catering and more, whose help was crucial to running such a successful event. 'It was a most successful Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle,' he said.
Irish Independent
29-05-2025
- Health
- Irish Independent
‘She was a ray of sunshine' — Mini Marathon runners honour memory of a young woman lost to rare cancer
They are doing so in memory of Eve McMahon, a 23-year-old woman from Kildare whose life was cut tragically short by a rare form of cancer. Eve's sister Lucy and her best friend Ellen Redmond are behind the Run for Eve fundraiser, which is once again supporting Sarcoma Cancer Ireland. The small, volunteer-run charity offers vital support to patients and families affected by sarcoma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer that typically affects children and young adults. Eve was just 22 when she was diagnosed with alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma in October 2021. Despite enduring months of intensive treatment at St Vincent's Private Hospital, she died eight months later on June 19, 2022, just three days after her 23rd birthday. Ellen described the annual run as a way of 'keeping Eve's memory alive', while also channelling grief into something positive. 'I just thought, wouldn't it be lovely to bring everyone together, her family, friends, neighbours, to do something uplifting around the time of her anniversary,' Ellen said. 'It's a very emotional time of year for all of us, but the mini marathon gives us a reason to come together in her name.' The first Run for Eve took place in 2023 and raised over €30,000 for Sarcoma Cancer Ireland, which at the time had only just begun establishing itself as a registered charity. Last year, the group raised nearly €20,000 for Breakthrough Cancer Research, chosen because Eve, a science graduate, had been studying for a master's in epidemiology at Imperial College London when she fell ill. 'Eve was the kind of person who would have gone into research herself. She was so smart, so driven, so that felt like a really fitting cause,' Ellen said. This year, the group will once again support Sarcoma Cancer Ireland, who, Ellen notes, 'don't receive any government funding'. The charity relies entirely on public donations to fund services such as counselling, treatment support, and small comforts for patients undergoing chemotherapy. Now in its third year, what started as a close-knit group of about 20 runners has swelled to over 40 participants last year, with even more expected this June. 'It's incredible how many people have gotten involved, friends of friends, people we've never even met, aunties, cousins, all just wanting to do something positive in Eve's name,' Ellen said. At the heart of the campaign is the memory of a bright, kind, and multi-talented young woman, a talented piano player and teacher, an avid cook who ran a food blog, and someone who dabbled in everything from crochet to leadership roles. 'She was one of those people who was just good at everything,' Ellen said. 'Everyone loved her, she was a ray of sunshine, honestly. And she never complained, not once. Even when she got sick, she just did everything the doctors told her. She never asked, 'Why me?' She just got on with it.' For Ellen, the mini marathon has become a way to keep that spirit alive. 'I get to see her cousins each year, her college friends, people I mightn't have crossed paths with otherwise. It keeps us all connected, and it keeps Eve close,' Ellen said. 'That's what matters most.' To donate to this year's campaign or join the team, visit the Run for Eve GoFundMe page.
Irish Independent
29-05-2025
- Health
- Irish Independent
Cork employees raise €20,000 for cancer research charity
The impressive sum of money was raised by Ask Acorn employees through the annual Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) programme. Ask Acorn are a nationwide financial intermediary and distributor of life protection products who have offices on the Airport Road in Cork city. The funds will directly support research into poorer prognosis cancers, with a five-year survival of less than 25% and currently very limited treatment options. Currently, nearly half (45%) of all cancer deaths in Ireland come from seven low survival cancers, and these are the cancers Breakthrough Cancer Research is currently targeting their research towards. Breakthrough was selected through a company-wide nomination process, with employees putting forward causes that hold personal meaning. The strong support for Breakthrough Cancer Research reflects the fact that one in two people in Ireland will face a cancer diagnosis in their lifetime — a reality that has touched many within the Ask Acorn team. Breakthrough Cancer Research is dedicated to funding scientific research that targets the most urgent gaps in cancer treatment, particularly where options are limited and outcomes remain poor. Their work helps drive progress in cancers that are currently under-funded, offering hope where it's needed most. Orla Dolan CEO of Breakthrough Cancer Research said the donation will go directly towards cutting-edge research into the lowest survival cancers which urgently need more investment. 'Every donation brings us closer to a future free from cancer, where no one ever hears the words, 'There's nothing left to try.' The organisation supports cutting-edge, patient-focused research across Ireland, including projects at the University College Cork, Cork University Hospital, Bon Secours Cork and MTU. These include advances in overcoming treatment resistance, earlier detection through identification new biomarkers, next-gen immunotherapy and personalised medicine through initiatives like Precision Oncology Ireland. 'At Ask Acorn, protection is at the core of what we do,' said Vivian O Callaghan and Jim Landy, Branch Managers in Cork City for Ask Acorn. 'Many of us have experienced the impact of cancer up close and we're proud to help fund research that offers real hope to patients and families across the country.' Monies raised for Breakthrough Cancer directly fund new treatment discoveries, clinical trials, and innovations that could dramatically improve outcomes for people diagnosed with difficult-to-treat cancers. The charity has a bold vision: 100% survival for 100% of cancers. To find out more or to support Breakthrough Cancer Research see or @breakthrocancer on social media.
