Annual event in memory of North Mayo man set to take place

The 2025 annual Ronan Clarke 10K run and 5K Run/Walk takes place from the Killala Community Centre on Sunday 8th June at 12 noon. The event will yet again raise funds for the Mayo Roscommon Hospice & the Killala GAA Benevolent Fund.

This event is organised each year by Killala GAA and The Clarke family to honour Ronan who sadly passed away in May 2014 following a year long battle with cancer. He sadly left behind his wife Sinead, three daughters Aoibhean, Saorla & Meadbh, his parents, three siblings and many friends. Ronan played for Killala GAA through all underage grades and represented the club at adult level for many years.

Ronan captained the Killala Junior team in 2006 who captured the Connacht Junior Club Championship crown after defeating Clifden in the final. Ronan played his final game for Killala just a few months before his diagnosis. Ronan held many roles throughout the years on the administration side of Killala GAA and was the serving Vice- Chairperson at the time of his untimely death. Ronan was also a highly respected coach within the Killala club and coached many players who went on to play with him in the latter years of his career.

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Away from the football field, Ronan was well known for his broadcasting work. He was a presenter on RTE’s “Ear to The Ground” agriculture Program for many years. As part of this role, he travelled to many parts of the world but often had to adjust plans so he could be home to represent his beloved Killala. Ronan also worked as a producer in RTE’s GAA magazine program “Breaking Ball”. In later years Ronan pursued a career in teaching and he worked in Breaffy National School for a number of years.

Since the inaugural run held in 2015 Killala GAA club together with the Clarke family are extremely proud to have raised over €85,000 for the events chosen charities, and again this year hope to significantly add to this amount.

Prizes are on offer for both males and females in u12’s, u14’s, u16’s, and adult grades for the 5K race and both male and female categories in the 10K Race. The much sought after Ronan Clarke Memorial Cup will be awarded to the first member of Killala GAA club who crosses the finish line in the 10K race. Presentations will be made to all prize winners after and refreshments will be served.

This year’s race will be started by our special guest for the day Gerry Glennon from Midwest Radio.

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Registration will take place at Killala Community Centre from 10:30 on the morning of the run with a registration fee of €15 for the 5K race and €25 for the 10K race.

For those who cannot attend on the day but would like to donate to the nominated charities they can do so here. The Go Fund Me page will also be shared on all of Killala GAA’s social media pages.