Edel Doyle, Anne Casey and Caroline Devlin having fun on the run when taking part in the John McGowan 12-hour challenge last Sunday. See more photos in this week's print edition. Photos: Terry O’Neill

John McGowan memorial challenge an 'unforgettable day'

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Athlone Triathlon Club has expressed delight and gratitude over the level of support for the John McGowan 12 Hour Challenge which was held for the second year on Sunday last.

The event, which took place at Athlone Community College and on the Old Rail Trail greenway, involved 97 participants and 47 volunteers, with over €34,000 now raised for worthy local causes. The proceeds will be shared between Infinity Friends, Athlone Samaritans and Athlone River Safety Awareness.

Athlone Triathlon Club chairperson Laura Kelly described the event - which honours the memory of the late John McGowan - as "one massive challenge" and "one unforgettable day". John's daughter Maureen O'Brien, a member of Athlone Triathlon Club, was one of the organisers and was also among those who took part.

The funds raised will help Infinity Friends to install a cycling track at their clubhouse in Ballydangan to teach and support their 120 members with autism cycling skills. Athlone River Safety Awareness will use the funds to purchase and install a life saving box, earmarked for Coosan Point, to make the water safer for all. And the Athlone Samaritans will use the funds to help them bring awareness to their 24/7 voluntary support services in the community.

Derek Liddy, Jude Kilmartin (Athlone River Safety Awareness); Carmel Griffin (Infinity Friends); Maureen O'Brien and Laura Kelly (event organisers); Hilda Duignan and Claire Earley (Infinity Friends); Deirdre Collins and Anne McGrath (Athlone & Midlands Samaritans), at the John McGowan 12 Hour Challenge last Sunday.

"The impact of this day will be felt far beyond the finish line, supporting three organisations doing vital work in our community," said Laura.

"Huge congratulations to every single participant. Whether you took on two hours or the full 12, whether you cycled, ran, or somehow managed both, you should be immensely proud of the effort and heart you showed. The reward is seeing your hard work turn into real, meaningful support for three unbelievably deserving charities.

"As chairperson, I’m incredibly proud that Athlone Triathlon Club could use its platform to give back to our local community in this way, and to help to make a difference for so many. This event brings a huge challenge for all of the participants who take part in it, and relies hugely on so many volunteers. But our community came out in force for it!

"A massive well done and congratulations to every participant who conquered the John McGowan 12 Hour Challenge - their efforts bring hope to someone else," Laura added.

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