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Amy Lawlor, Óisín Karakus, Louise Curtin and Doreen Lawlor at the Donal Walsh Spa NS 6k Challenge on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean
IT was a day to remember for all those who turned out for the ‘Donal Walsh Spa 6K Challenge’ hosted by Spa N.S. on Sunday.
The school organised the hugely popular family fun day in honour of Donal, their past pupil on Sunday May 28.
“We wanted to honour Donal again in a special way and so our amazing committee and loyal volunteers. worked so hard 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 would be ready”, added Peter.
This year coincided with the 10th anniversary of Donal’s passing and over five hundred people visited the school which was a hive of activity with a fabulous market organised by the students.
Children from 5th and 6th classes also coordinated fun games and challenges for everyone all day and the large crowd in attendance was enthralled by an exciting rocket competition.
The Parents Association had also organised a beautiful barbeque on site with teas and tasty treats also being served up as well.
The street performer, Tommy Broderick from Your Man’s Puppets made a number of appearances and had everyone in stitches with his puppet 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. Donal’s parents Fionbarr and Elma and sister Jema Walsh were on hand to officially start the run/walk.
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 Kerry coach Arthur Fitzgerald with local lads David Chute and Liam O’Donnell a close second and third. Local girl, Evie O’Sullivan scooped first place in the ladies section closely followed by Hannah Redican and Anna Chute.
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 in Spa N.S. a place where Donal had so many happy days. The committee have again organised a really special day for everyone and Donal would have loved it!” she said. Scroll down for photos…
Liz Kelliher, Elaine Kelliher and Alan Murphy at the Donal Walsh Spa NS 6k Challenge on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean
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Lorraine Reidy and Patricia Walsh at the Donal Walsh Spa NS 6k Challenge on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean
Ben Jorgji, Anila Mucaj, Alketa Mucaj and Biancka Qatja at the Donal Walsh Spa NS 6k Challenge on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean
Ciara, Lily and Johnny McCarthy at the Donal Walsh Spa NS 6k Challenge on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean
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Helen Burns and Niamh Stephenson at the Donal Walsh Spa NS 6k Challenge on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean
Anthony O’Shea and John Leen at the Donal Walsh Spa NS 6k Challenge on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean
John and Deirdre Mason at the Donal Walsh Spa NS 6k Challenge on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean
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Sarah Stack, Mags Lacey, Robyn and Millie Lacey, Ronan Falvey and Rob Lacey at the Donal Walsh Spa NS 6k Challenge on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean
The Born To Run Club members at the Donal Walsh Spa NS 6k Challenge on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean
Ruairí Buckley, Gary and Scott O’Driscoll and Mick Twomey at the Donal Walsh Spa NS 6k Challenge on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean
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Siobhan Coffey, Elma Walsh and Katie Hassett at the Donal Walsh Spa NS 6k Challenge on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean
Eileen, Nora, Máire and Karen Lovett at the Donal Walsh Spa NS 6k Challenge on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean
Jema Walsh and Jenny Boyle at the Donal Walsh Spa NS 6k Challenge on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean
Elma Walsh and Principal of Spa NS Peter Linehan at the Donal Walsh Spa NS 6k Challenge on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean
Setting off on the Donal Walsh Spa NS 6k Challenge on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean
Setting off on the Donal Walsh Spa NS 6k Challenge on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean
Setting off on the Donal Walsh Spa NS 6k Challenge on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean
Setting off on the Donal Walsh Spa NS 6k Challenge on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean
Setting off on the Donal Walsh Spa NS 6k Challenge on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean
Setting off on the Donal Walsh Spa NS 6k Challenge on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean
Setting off on the Donal Walsh Spa NS 6k Challenge on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean
Setting off on the Donal Walsh Spa NS 6k Challenge on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean
