PHOTOS: Fantastic Turnout For Spa NS Donal Walsh 6k Challenge

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Niamh and Meah Carmody with ‘Maisie’ at the Spa NS Donal Walsh 6k Challenge on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean

THE positive ‘live life’ message was very much to the fore in the Spa last Sunday as the annual Donal Walsh Spa 6k Challenge was held at Spa National School.

The largest crowd ever turned out in the splendid sunshine to enjoy the wide variety of entertainment and activities provided on the day, organised to commemorate Donal, the school’s past pupil and his ‘live life’ message.

It had not been possible to host the event in the last two years with covid restrictions, but it was back and better than ever last weekend.

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“This is a very special day as it reminds us all of the importance of Donal’s ‘live life’ message especially in the busy world of today”, said school principal Peter Linehan.

“Huge credit must go to our fantastic organising committee who worked so hard to have everything ready and ensured that everything ran so smoothly on the day.”

And it certainly was an action-packed day with a truly electric atmosphere. The Parents Association organised a beautiful food court on site with a variety of treats for everyone to enjoy.

Some students also hosted a fabulous mini market with arts and crafts and other goodies for sale, whilst the 6th class students hosted fun games and challenges for the younger students.

Other students participated in a thrilling rocket competition in the nearby football field. There was live music, face painting, street performers and a tremendous show by the excellent Fanzini brothers to finish the day.

However, the highlight of the day was the 6km walk and run starting and finishing at the school. Donal’s mother Elma was on hand to start the race again this year.

Tralee runner, Derek Griffin was home first in the men’s race with school student Billy Naughton coming second and David Chute coming a close third.

Local triathlete, Ciara Tierney won the ladies run. Gillian Sugrue came home second and Spa student Evie O’Sullivan finished in third place.

Then followed the long stream of runners and walkers who pushed themselves to complete the course in their own personal best times. All finished in high spirits and received loud rounds of applause from the local support.

“We are delighted to be able to revisit Spa N.S., a place where Donal had so many memories” said Elma, Donal’s mother. “It’s lovely to see people coming together and enjoying each other’s company. A special day and Donal would have loved it!” Scroll down for photos…

Ronan and Helen Falvey with ‘Bailey’ and Kelly and Sean Flaherty at the Spa NS Donal Walsh 6k Challenge on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean

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Patricia Walsh and Tracy O’Sullivan at the Spa NS Donal Walsh 6k Challenge on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean

Anne Ronayne and Daire McCann at the Spa NS Donal Walsh 6k Challenge on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean

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In front; Angela Collins, Nora Begley and Catherine O’Connor. At back; Louise Porter, Lauren Murphy, Hilda Jones, Helen Twomey, Kieran Nolan, Aine Brosnan and Brenda Lynch at the Spa NS Donal Walsh 6k Challenge on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean

Christophe and Marlene Fabaudon with Helena McMahon at the Spa NS Donal Walsh 6k Challenge on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean

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Abbey Canty with Anna and Suzanne Chute at the Spa NS Donal Walsh 6k Challenge on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean

Maria and Bernadette Gilroy with John Mulvaney and Yvonne Corridon at the Spa NS Donal Walsh 6k Challenge on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean

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Rosarie and John Quilter with ‘Kerry’ at the Spa NS Donal Walsh 6k Challenge on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean

Jamie O’Connor, Susan Maunsell, Timothy O’Connor, Ellie O’Connor, Stacy Boyle, Millie Quirke, Maura Nolan and Casey Nolan at the Spa NS Donal Walsh 6k Challenge on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean

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Julie and Fiona McElligott with Róise McElligott at the Spa NS Donal Walsh 6k Challenge on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean

The crowd assembled for the Spa NS Donal Walsh 6k Challenge on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean

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Setting off on the Spa NS Donal Walsh 6k Challenge on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean

Setting off on the Spa NS Donal Walsh 6k Challenge on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean

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Setting off on the Spa NS Donal Walsh 6k Challenge on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean

Setting off on the Spa NS Donal Walsh 6k Challenge on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean

Setting off on the Spa NS Donal Walsh 6k Challenge on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean

Setting off on the Spa NS Donal Walsh 6k Challenge on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean

Setting off on the Spa NS Donal Walsh 6k Challenge on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean

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