Mayo community rallies again for Ronan Clarke memorial charity run this Sunday
Run and walk fundraiser honours beloved club stalwart while supporting hospice and benevolent causes
The annual Ronan Clarke 10K Run and 5K Run/Walk will take place this Sunday, June 7, from Killala Community Centre, with participants coming together once again to honour the memory of the late Ronan Clarke while raising vital funds for charity.
Organised by Killala GAA and the Clarke family, the popular charity run will begin at 12 noon and raise money for Mayo Roscommon Hospice and the Killala GAA Benevolent Fund.
The event was established in memory of Ronan Clarke, who passed away in May 2014 following a year-long battle with cancer. A respected player, coach, administrator, broadcaster and teacher, Ronan left a lasting impact on the Killala community and wider Mayo sporting life.
Ronan represented Killala GAA through every underage grade before starring at adult level for many years. He captained the club’s junior team to Connacht Junior Club Championship success in 2006 and also helped secure county championship titles in 2000 and 2008. He played his final match for Killala only months before his diagnosis and is remembered as a leader on and off the field, particularly for his encouragement and mentorship of younger players.
Beyond football, Ronan served Killala GAA in several administrative roles and was Vice-Chairperson of the club at the time of his death. He was also a highly regarded coach whose influence continues through players still representing the club today.
Outside of sport, Ronan was widely known for his broadcasting career, working as a presenter on RTÉ’s Ear to the Ground and as a producer on the GAA programme Breaking Ball. In later years, he pursued teaching and worked at Breaffy National School.
Ahead of this year’s event, organisers are also remembering two much-valued Killala GAA figures, Eddie Walsh and Martin Farrell, who have passed away since last year’s run. Eddie served as Chairman of the Club Developments Committee, while Martin managed the Killala Junior team until 2025 and was managing Naomh Padraig minors at the time of his passing earlier this year.
Since its launch in 2015, the Ronan Clarke memorial event has raised more than €95,000 for its chosen charities, with organisers hoping to significantly increase that total again this year.
Prizes will be awarded in both male and female categories across underage and adult grades in the 5K event, while the coveted Ronan Clarke Memorial Cup will go to the first Killala GAA club member to cross the line in the 10K race.
Special guest Laurita Blewitt will officially start this year’s event.
Registration opens at Killala Community Centre from 10.30am on the morning of the run, costing €15 for the 5K and €25 for the 10K. Refreshments and prize presentations will take place after the races.
Those unable to attend but wishing to support the fundraiser can donate via the event’s GoFundMe page Ronan Clarke 10K and 5K Run and Walk.