The ‘Great Garda Run 2009’ event will see 150 members of An Garda Síochána participate in the Chicago Marathon on Sunday 11th October 2009.
Garda Commissioner, Eamonn Coghlan and Ronan Keating,
Launch the ‘Great Garda Run 2009’ Initiative
The Great Garda Run 2009 Chicago Marathon initiative, will be ‘launched’ by Garda Commissioner Fachtna Murphy, Mr Eamonn Coghlan and Mr Ronan Keating on:
Monday 23rd February 2009 at 7.30pm at the Garda Boat Club, Islandbridge, Dublin 8.
The ‘Great Garda Run 2009’ event will see 150 members of An Garda Síochána participate in the Chicago Marathon on Sunday 11th October 2009 in aid of the Marie Keating Foundation. The ‘Great Garda Run 2009’ participants will be joined in Chicago, by Former World Champion, Mr Eamonn Coghlan, Singer/Songwriter Mr. Ronan Keating and 2FM DJ, Mr. Shane O'Donoghue, as the Official ‘Team Patrons’
All members of the ‘Great Garda Run 2009’ Team will personally fund all expenses incurred in this trip and therefore, every cent raised by them in this initiative, will go directly to the Marie Keating Foundation. In total, the 150 Gardaí are aiming to raise over €250,000 for this charity, which will be specifically used to purchase, resource and maintain a Cancer ‘Mobile Information Unit’, to aid the early detection of cancer.
According to Garda Commissioner Fachtna Murphy "The ‘Great Garda Run 2009’ initiative, exemplifies the historically strong sporting culture within An Garda Síochána, not just in Sports 'Participation, but also in Sports Coaching and Voluntary Fundraising by Gardaí within many local communities."
Commissioner Murphy added "I commend the dedication and hard work shown by all Team participants, both in terms of fundraising and training for this tremendous challenge. Indeed, endeavours such as ‘Great Garda Run 2009’ undoubtedly assists, An Garda Síochána, in building and sustaining positive community partnerships throughout Ireland".
A Photo-shoot opportunity was provided at the launch- involving Garda Commissioner Fachtna Murphy, Mr Eamonn Coghlan, Mr Ronan Keating, Mr. Shane O'Donoghue & 2 Members of the Great Garda Run 2009’.
The ‘Press & Media’ Contact Person for all Interviews regarding the ‘Great Garda Run 2009’ initiative is Sergeant Niall Featherstone, of Garda Community Relations. Niall can be contacted via E-mail niall.p.featherstone@garda.ie
Garda Press Office
20th Feb. 2009
