Family music caps brilliant Sarah Swaine Memorial Run

Carrie Swayne, John Swaine, Evelyn Griffith of CanTeen, Gretta Swaine, Kayla Swaine and (front) Bethany Swaine.

The 367 people who registered for the inaugural Sarah Swaine Memorial 5K/10K Run in Kilcullen today was its own affirmation of public generosity to personal tragedy, writes Brian Byrne, but the subsequent musical evening in the Hideout tonight was a compelling family and friends event.

With Sarah's father John singing many of the songs himself through the evening, the contributions from Sarah's youngest sister Bethany, aged nine, and from her other sister Kayla (15) both entertained brilliantly and offered an insight into a family for which music is obviously an intrinsic part of their life.

The race and its evening event raised more than €5,000 for CanTeen, a charity that supports teenagers with cancer, providing trips to places around Ireland and abroad which help to give those involved a more normal teenage life. The money was way beyond the €2,000 or so expected by Sarah's aunt Carrie Swayne, one of the prime movers behind the event.

Accepting the cheque, Evelyn Griffith of CanTeen said that it would provide up to 40 of their clients with a weekend away. She paid tribute to eveyone who had been involved in the fundraiser, and particularly to Sarah's family for their support for CanTeen.

The first five in of 257 registered with Pop Up Racing in the 5K were Mariusz Olejnicrak (0:17:14,47), Shane Scully (0:17:31,72), Gary Scully (0:17:41,00), David McDonnell (0:18:37,38) and Sharon Brannisan (0:19:47,03).

Of the 110 who were registered in the 10K, the first five home were Darren McConville (0:41:48,60), Michal Zielinski (0:41:59,60), Eugene Kavanagh (0:42:18,62), Emma Boland (0:42:36,21) and Robert Gravenor (0:43:33,28).