Thanks for the marathon!

Monday, June 1st was a day of sunshine as the Ladies Mini Marathon team, in aid of The Punchestown Kidney Research Fund, set off for Dublin. Andy's Of Naas transported us in safety and comfort.

James Nolan, chairman PKRF, and his fiancee Emma greeted us on arrival at the Mespil Hotel. The hotel catered very well, soup /sandwiches etc and the staff were helpful and efficient.

The sun blazed down, but the shady trees by the canal, across the street provided a cool relaxing place to wait for the race to start.The crowd was enormous, the biggest ever.The official figure of 40,000 does not include the thousands who do not register.

The atmosphere was brilliant. Seeing all those women, with the various charitys printed on the tshirts was awesome. All very worthy causes. Everyone was there for a good reason. It was a privilage to be part of it.

We had runners, joggers and walkers. Despite the heat and crowds we all finished and got home safely to a welcome meal, at Kilcullen Parish Centre.

Thanks to our wonderful friends, who came in, on a sunny holiday evening to prepare and present the meal.

James, thank you for providing the meat and salads and to Dermot who every year gives up his day off to freshly slice the meat. He brought it all to the Centre and stayed to help.

Thanks to Jim Talbot, Catherine Ryan, Olivia James and Ger Kelly, Katelyn and Holly and Nicole, who generously gave up their evening To prepare and serve the meal and tidy up afterwards.

Many people helped behind the scenes to a very successful fundraiser. Brian Byrne, the Bridge Magazine, Kay Byrne, Michelle Hourihan, Kay Lawler (they are reporters with The Kildare Nationalist and The Leader),The Ballymore Bugle, all our sponsors and people who took sponsor cards.

Last but not least to our gallant team. Well done.

We are at Kilcullen Parish Centre 7-8pm, on Tuesday 9th June to collect money. When all the money is in, a presentation will be arranged.

Phena Bermingham.