Launch of Drumragh Solo Run To Croke Park

Wednesday 22.06.2011

Club

Tyrone GAA club, Drumragh Sarsfields, announces “The Great Solo Run”, in association with The Michaela Foundation. This will see 150 of Drumragh’s members solo a football from their home grounds at Clanabogan outside Omagh to Croke Park Dublin, all 115 miles.

“We have two aims, one to raise some much needed funds to complete our capital development programme and secondly to contribute to the charity being launched to commemorate Michaela”, explained Drumragh Chairman Adrian O’Kane. “Fund raising needs to capture the imagination and this initiative certainly has done that. Primarily we will look to our members and anyone who wishes to take part to raise sponsorship and we will be asking businesses across the country to help us in whatever way they can. The sponsorship money collected will go towards our development programme.” “In addition, our route takes us through some 14 towns and villages toCroke Park and we will be collecting donations from the public on our way. 100% of what we collect during the run will be given to the Michaela Foundation. We are very proud, and at the same time humbled, at having the opportunity to contribute to something that is in the heart of every GAA man, woman and child.”

The event co-ordinator and club man is Gerry McGurgan. “Logistically it is a huge operation for us which will see 150 of our members solo the ball for approx ¾ miles each. It will take us 30 hours, non-stop and through the night, and will end with the final leg arriving at Croke Park on All Ireland semi-final day, 28th August. It’s estimated that the ball will go through 36,000 solos.”   He continued “Ever since the idea was first spoken about, the club committee members embraced it fully. We have a hard working event team with each subcommittee doing more than was asked of them. All relevant authorities have been consulted; permissions have been secured, insurance cover obtained and a comprehensive event plan completed.”