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Cormac Coffey, Elma Walsh and John Kelly at the Spa NS family day in memory of Donal Walsh on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean
OVER 600 people visited Spa National School on Sunday for the ‘Donal Walsh Spa 6K Challenge’ in honour of Donal, their past pupil.
“We wanted to honour Donal in a special way and so the committee worked to create an event where people would come together for a few hours, have fun and ‘live life’ just as Donal had urged us all to,” said school principal Peter Linehan.
“This was a real team effort and huge credit must go to our Parents Association who worked tirelessly over the past few weeks to ensure that everything would be ready,” added Peter.
The school was a hive of activity with a fabulous farmers market in operation and children from 6th class coordinating fun games and challenges for young and old all day.
Fourth class pupils let off balloons to remember people who have passed on, at the Spa NS family day in memory of Donal Walsh on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean
The Parents Association had also organised a beautiful barbeque on site with teas and tasty treats also being served up as well.
The students in 4th and 5th classes organised an exciting rocket launching competition and the street performer, Guido Fanzini had everyone in stitches with his show.
However, the main event of the day was the ‘Donal Walsh Spa 6K Challenge’ a looped run/walk starting and finishing at the school.
Young students released 50 pink balloons to remember those who are no longer with us and Donal’s parents Fionnbar and Elma Walsh officially started the run/walk for the 550 participants.
There was a wonderful atmosphere as young and not so young set off to tackle the course in the beautiful sunshine. First home in the men’s section was Nikoli Bujani from Dublin with local man Daniel Murphy a close second.
Tralee lady, Catherine O’Sullivan scooped first place in the ladies section closely followed by Spa N.S. parent Bernadette Gilroy.
Elma Walsh was thrilled with the event; “We are delighted to be back in Spa N.S. a place where Donal had so many happy days. The committee organised a really wonderful day for everyone and Donal would have loved it!” Scroll down for photos…
Edel Broderick and Betty Brosnan at the Spa NS family day in memory of Donal Walsh on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean
Martina Wadding, Winston Clapham, Samantha Wadding and Eddie Wadding at the Spa NS family day in memory of Donal Walsh on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean
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Maeve Horgan, Michelle Dempsey, Tom O’Connor, Catherine Costello and Orla Brosnan at the Spa NS family day in memory of Donal Walsh on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean
Caoimhe Hanafin, Ellie Stuart, Siobhan Stuart and Kate Hennessy and Zac the dog at the Spa NS family day in memory of Donal Walsh on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean
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Gearoid O’Connor, Eoin Murphy, Sophie Hassett, Grace Hamilton and Jessica McGibney at the Spa NS family day in memory of Donal Walsh on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean
Heidi and Daniel Giles with Billy (holding Ollie), Evie and Rosie Giles, Kate Feeney at the Spa NS family day in memory of Donal Walsh on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean
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Angela Donnellan and Pa Hanafin at the Spa NS family day in memory of Donal Walsh on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean
Claire O’Connor and Antoinette Boyd with Buster at the Spa NS family day in memory of Donal Walsh on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean
Doireann and Pauline Barrett at the Spa NS family day in memory of Donal Walsh on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean
Bernice Hoffman, Sabina Sayers, Aisling Ní Nualláin and Laura Hoffman at the Spa NS family day in memory of Donal Walsh on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean
Gillian Lewis, Fiona Cronin, Ben Lowry, Sharon Lewis and Brenda Cronin at the Spa NS family day in memory of Donal Walsh on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean
In front; Bruno Borowy, Eric Borowy, Ben O’Leary and John O’Leary with Sylvia Wesolowska and Michelle Cooper at the Spa NS family day in memory of Donal Walsh on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean
Elma Walsh with Principal of Spa NS Peter Linehan and those attending the Spa NS family day in memory of Donal Walsh on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean
Participants in the 6km walk/run as past of the Spa NS family day in memory of Donal Walsh on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean
Andrew O’Brien of Kids Sand Art Magic with Eoin Reilly and Sadhbh Murphy at the Spa NS family day in memory of Donal Walsh on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean
Sarah O’Sullivan, Eileen Dunne, Catherine McCarthy and Edel Connolly at the Spa NS family day in memory of Donal Walsh on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean
