Trim GAA 24-hour run for mental health

TWENTY-FOUR adult members from Trim GAA club took part in a 24-hour charity run through the streets of Trim in aid of the local SOSAD charity over the Bank Holiday weekend. The initials SOSAD stand for Save Our Sons and Daughters. Similar to every other GAA, sports’ and local community organisations in every parish in the country, Trim GAA has been deeply affected by the impact of suicide, bereavement and loss, especially among young people.

Three years ago the club set out to develop structures and policies that might offer support for the mental wellbeing of its members, with the inception of a Health and Wellbeing Committee. Luke Moran, a dual player with the club, alongside club colleagues Brian McKeown and Mark Molloy were responsible for the very successful planning of this charity event.

The runners were set to start off from the clubhouse and run in pairs, each pair running two circuits of 10 kilometres, with a 12 hour rest in between each circuit.

On Friday evening at 7pm, last year’s club captain Gerard Dwane and senior player Daryl Phelan, began the 24-hour marathon run. The final pair of Luke Moran and senior football manager Kevin Reilly completed the last circuit, back in the clubhouse at 6.45 on Saturday evening. More than 421 kilometres were completed by the Trim players, 1km for each life lost due to suicide in 2019.

"The local response to this important cause has been overwhelming and every participant runner would like to thank all who supported their 24 hour charity run," said a club spokesperson.

While the male senior players were running for SOSAD, the adult ladies were busy completing a similar marathon event for a young GAA female athlete from a neighbouring parish who is dealing with a cancer diagnosis.

For further information on SOSAD, the Navan number is 0469077682. Donations for the Trim 24 hour run, however small, will be gladly accepted by logging on to ‘Trim GAA Run for Mental Health’.