Published: Friday, 23rd July, 2010 5:00pm
Don your running - or dancing - shoes and support the Breffni Challenge
by Sinead Hogan
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Women run for a good cause at a previous Breffni Challenge. This year's takes place on Saturday, July 31.
If you're not up for putting on your running shoes to support the cancer organisations, perhaps you can put your dancing shoes on instead.
That's the call from organisers of the Breffni Challenge this week. There's a choice of two routes, one is 20km from Cavan to Arvagh and the second is 13km from Ballinagh to Arvagh. You can walk, jog, run, cycle or stagger your way through either route. And if you're not interested in the challenge, you can enjoy some entertainment for the chosen charities and organisations instead, with acts including showband legend, Larry Cunningham.
St. Luke's Hospital, Dublin will be the main recipient with substantial contributions also to NBCRI (National Breast Cancer Research Institute, Galway), and Cavan Cancer Homecare Association.
Now in its tenth year, the Breffni Challenge last year attracted over 660 participants.
Even if you haven't signed up for the challenge, which will be held on Saturday, July 31, it's not too late. If you're holding out to see how the weather is, entries will be taken on the day.
"For the 20km route, you can register at the Meadow View, Dublin Road, Cavan between midday and 2pm, when that challenge starts. For the 13km route, register at Tom Moore's Spar Shop, Main Street, Ballinagh, between 1pm and 2.30pm when it kicks off from there," explains Philip Brady, one of the organisers.
As it's the tenth annual event, it promises to be "extra special" and organisers are urging people to support any way they can.
"This is an event that can be supported in many ways," says Philip, "by participating, cheering on or sponsoring participants or by enjoying the entertainment".
Participants can avail of a free t-shirt, certificate, medal on crossing the finishing line, massage at Market Square House on Arvagh's Main Street and use of the leisure centre in the Breffni Arms Hotel, Arvagh that evening.
There is also a homecoming party for participants, with family fun including street entertainment and music at Market Square between 4.30pm and 6.30pm.
On Saturday from 8pm, there is a buffet in the Breffni Arms Hotel for all participants followed by dancing to Paddy O'Brien and his band followed by a disco.
With the tenth anniversary celebration on Sunday night, there's really no excuse not to support the event.
If you haven't walked, jogged, cycled or danced yourself out on Saturday, all are welcome on Sunday night in the marquee in Market Square, from 10pm, with dancing to Larry Cunningham, Breege and Startrax, followed by a disco.
Earlier on Sunday afternoon, there is a kids' disco from 3.30pm to 5.30pm also in the marquee.
• For further information, contact St. Luke's Hospital at 01-4065102, email breffni@friendsofstlukes.ie or visit:
