DESPITE the showers, a huge crowd turned out for an electric ‘Donal Walsh Spa 6K Challenge’ hosted by Spa NS.

The school organised the popular family fun day in honour of Donal, their past pupil, on Sunday.

“We wanted to honour Donal again in a special way and so our amazing team of loyal volunteers and sponsors worked exceptionally hard yet again despite the challenging conditions 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.

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“Huge credit must go to our Parents Association who have worked tirelessly over the past few weeks to ensure that everything was ready and that the day ran so smoothly,” added Peter.

Despite a few rain showers on the morning over five hundred people visited the school which was a hive of activity with a fabulous market organised by the students.

Children from 6th classes also hosted fun games and challenges for everyone all day and the large crowd in attendance was also enthralled by an exciting rocket competition.

The Parents Association had also organised a beautiful food court on site with tasty burgers, teas, tasty treats and ice creams being served up.

Local musician Ian O’Doherty kept everyone entertained with a lively sing song and street performer, Ronaldo Fanzini made a number of appearances and had everyone in stitches with his hilarious comedy show.

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However, the main event of the day was the ‘Donal Walsh Spa 6K Challenge’ a looped run/walk starting and finishing at the school. Donal’s parents Fionbarr and Elma were on hand to officially start the run/walk.

There was a truly wonderful atmosphere as young and not so young set off to enthusiastically tackle the course.

First home in the men’s section was Oisín Spillane with local lads Eddie O Connor and David Chute a close second and third.

Local girl, Siobhán Daly scooped first place in the ladies section closely followed by Deirdre Curtin and Emma Guiney.

However, there were huge cheers and rounds of applause for the long line of runners and walkers when they crossed the finish line.

Elma Walsh was thrilled with the event; “We are delighted to be back again celebrating the “Live Life” message in Spa N.S. a place where Donal had so many happy days. The committee has again organised a really fantastic day for everyone and Donal would have loved it!” Scroll down for photos…

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