A Rooskey man currently serving with the Defence Forces in Syria will complete a half marathon at his base this Sunday in order to raise funds for the Colm Horkan Memorial Pitch and Community Walkway Project being undertaken by Charlestown Sarsfields GAA Club in memory of the popular Garda who was killed in the line of duty in Castlerea last year.
Niall Kilcrann says that fundraising for charities and other groups in Ireland is something that members of the Defence Forces regularly take part in when stationed overseas.
“I am a Corporal currently based with the 62nd Infantry group (UNDOF) here in Syria. We deployed here in October 2020 and will return home in early April.
“What happened to Detective Colm Horkan, and the way he tragically lost his life while on active service in the summer of last year, shocked us and everyone else in the country.
“We, both as an organisation and as a small group here in Syria, wish to do our bit to keep his memory alive by helping in whatever small way we can,” he said.
This Sunday (14th) a half marathon, 5k and 10k race will take place on a 1km loop at the base in Syria to raise funds for the development in Co. Mayo.
A virtual race, which will run alongside the event, will give others the chance to take part also and participants can join in by visiting www.popupraces.ie and searching for ‘Colm Horkan Memorial Run’.
Those wishing to donate can do so at www.ifundraise.ie and will be entered into a draw with great prizes on offer including an Italia ’90 World Cup jersey signed by Paul McGrath, and signed Damien Duff and Dublin GAA jerseys as well as One4All vouchers and an official race t-shirt.
