Lord Mayor Launches Corks’ Run for Asia

It
is not too often that sports people of every code
are asked to get together to participate in the
same event but the Tsunami disaster in asia has
touched the hearts of millions around the globe
Corks’ with its proud sporting tradition will
get a chance to participate ina a run(Walk) around
the centre of Cork City at 7.30 pm on Wednesday.
The event was the brainchild of well known three
time Olympian in the marathon and 4 time world
championship participant Peter Maher who was in
Thailand in November. When he and Dave O’Brien
of treasure island and desert marathon fame approached
the Lord mayor Seán Martin he had no hesitation
in lending his support to this mass participant
venture. Peter mustered some of the best organisers
in the business, from John Walshe of the famous
Ballycotton 10, to the expertise of the Cork AAI
and the Business Houses Athletic Association and
for the past week they have been working feverishly
to draw up a plan of Campaign to maximise the
event to the full and get as many participants
as possible for the event on the 19th. The generosity
of Irish people has been staggering and so those
who take to the streets on the 19th will be showing
huge solidarity with the people of South East
Asia.

The lord mayor Councillor Sean Martin pictured with Munster Rugby stars. Ronan O’Gara, John Kelly and Australian David Pusey from Sydney. Pics Fr. Liam Kelleher

The
Press Release at the launch on Wedneasday January
6th at the City Hall, by the Lord Mayor Seán martin,
was hugely encouraging and says it all. Why Run
“ As we are aware the Tsunami which hit southern
Asia on St Stephens day, has claimed more than
150,000 lives and devastated the lives of countless
millions of others. In addition to the dreadful
human toll, the disaster has destroyed homes,
communities and infrastructure in several countries
with coastlines on the Indian ocean. What. A major
appeal for International aid has been made to
funds for the victims of the disaster. In Cork
an initiative is underway by sports organisations
to raise funds. With Cork’s run for Asia, there
is an opportunity for the people of Cork to collectively
show support for the victims of this tragedy,
whilst making a financial contribution. The Irish
Reed Cross, Goal, Trochaire, Concern, Hope Foundation,
Oxfam, will be the equal beneficiaries from all
entry fees, received, in addition to Sponsorship
cards will be available to all participants from
all the major charitable organisations when participants
enter the event. Where and When. Cork Run For
asia will be held on Wednesday January 19th at
7.30pm starting on the South mall with a downtown
city centre route How to enter. Entry fee is €10.
Donations is excess of this will be accepted.
The main office for entries will be the Imperial
Hotel . The plan is for entries to be accepted
beginning as early as saturday the 8th and Sunday
the 9th of January Footnote It is hoped to include
all sporting organisations across the County and
as Lord Mayor and Patron of the event, I call
on all sporting clubs to get involved and enter,
to show that sport can unite us. Information is
constantly unfolding and will be available on
the web site at www.runforasia.com, or ring 086-6000274.

Lord mayor Sean Martin at the launch of the Cork Run for Asia at the City Hall with well known sporting personalities. Niall O’Driscoll President of the Munster Branch of the IRFU. Billy Morgan, Cork Football Manager Donal O’Grady, Cork All-Ireland Winning Hurling Manager, Graham Canty Compromise Rules capt. Colin Corkery. Damien MatacZ Mardyke/Blues Demons and Pat Price Coach Mardyke/Blue Demons

I
urge all the media to keep the event in the public
eye as much as possible and encourage the renowned
sporting reputation of Cork, to show its support
for the victims of this disaster”

Fr. Liam Kelleher 087-8516984