Sam Bennett Memorial Run in aid of the Breffni Blues Club
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The launch of the Sam Bennett Memorial Run, which takes place on Saturday, June 27. From left: Raymond McManus, Sharon McManus, Maeve Hyland, Donnacha Hyland, William Ebbitt, Tom Smith, John Walsh, Joe Ebbitt, Phil McGauran, Vintage Club; Matthew McGauran, David Mulligan, Chairman of the Ballinagh and District Vintage Club; Elizabeth Scott, Secretary; Tom Connolly, Wilton Recycling (Sponsor); Philip Brady, Breffni Blues; Adam Fuller, Craig Bennett, Craig Ebbitt, Billy Reilly, Treasurer; Bernie Gaffney, Mary Murry, Breffni Blues Special Olympics Club; Rosaleen McGovern, Adrian McGovern, Gearoid Hyland, John Tully, Sean Og McGivney, Cian Hyland and Margaret Mulligan.Photo: Sean McMahonImage 2 of 2
The annual Sam Bennett Memorial Run, organised by Ballinagh and District Vintage Club, will take place on Saturday, June 27, with proceeds this year going to the Breffni Blues Special Olympics Club.
The event was officially launched at Ballinagh Community Centre on Friday evening, where club members, supporters and representatives of the chosen charity gathered ahead of what is expected to be another well-supported community fundraiser.
The Sam Bennett Memorial Run has become a fixture on the local calendar since it was established in memory of the late Sam Bennett, a respected Ballinagh native and Honorary President of Ballinagh and District Vintage Club. Over the years, the event has raised thousands of euro for local charities and causes, reflecting the club’s strong commitment to supporting community organisations.
Speaking at the launch, Mary Murray, chairperson, Breffni Blues Special Olympics Club, said the support from the Vintage Club comes at a particularly important time.
She revealed that 27 athletes from the club have qualified for the Special Olympics Ireland Games in Dublin and highlighted the significant costs involved in attending the event.
“It costs a lot of money and the fact that the Vintage Club are donating the funds raised this year to the Breffni Blues Special Olympics Club is much appreciated,” she said.
Ms Murray also paid tribute to the late Ann McGauran, recognising her dedication and commitment to the club over many years.
Speaking on behalf of the McGauran family, Phil McGauran recalled Ann’s involvement with the Vintage Club, where she served as secretary for a number of years. “It is a great tribute to her memory, to see so many vehicles and people here this evening for the launch,” he said.
Chairman of Ballinagh and District Vintage Club, David Mulligan, thanked Wilton Waste for sponsoring high-visibility jackets for participants taking part in this year’s run. He encouraged the public to support the fundraiser through sponsorship cards, which are available from members of both the Vintage Club and Breffni Blues .