by Alan Jacques
THE UL Sport Kids Run organised in conjunction with this year’s Barrington’s Hospital Great Limerick Run is to be held in memory of nine-year-old Aaron O’Flaherty from Raheen who died tragically in Kilkee last May.
Sports mad Aaron always enjoyed the Kids Run and last participated in the event in 2013. His mum, Cecilia O’Flaherty, says she is “completely taken away and honoured” that this year’s event will be held in Aaron’s honour on the weekend of his first anniversary.
“Aaron really enjoyed the Kids Run in 2013 and his medal took pride of place in our home,” Cecilia revealed.
“As Civil Defence officer in Limerick, I have worked over every single Great Limerick Run weekend. The Barrington’s Hospital Great Limerick Run and Aaron’s anniversary will always be linked for me now as I was not long home after the event last year when I got the phone call about Aaron’s drowning accident.
“I’m extremely grateful to the organisers for doing this for Aaron and I’m hoping that the Fun Run will be well supported by the children of Limerick and their parents this year,” she said.
The UL Sport Kids Run takes place on Saturday May 2 and is held in conjunction with Limerick Sports Partnership and the HSE. Race organiser John Cleary said the logo ‘Remembering Aaron’ will be placed on the back of all children’s race t-shirts with an image of colourful balloons to help promote the Aaron O’Flaherty Memorial Fund which raises funds to purchase equipment for Temple Street Children’s Hospital.
“Cecilia is part of the Great Limerick Run family and we’re delighted to honour Aaron in this way,” Mr Cleary commented.
“Aaron symbolised what this event is all about — children having fun, keeping active and enjoying participating in a fun collective event. We’re delighted to host this event in his memory and help promote Aaron’s Memorial Fund,” he said.
Aaron’s mum along with a number of friends and family have entered the 2015 Barrington’s Hospital Great Limerick Run including the 10K, the Half Marathon and Full Marathon in memory of Aaron and his name will be on the front of all their bibs when they are running on the day.
For more information on the Kids Sport Run log onto www.greatlimerickrun.com.
Meanwhile, a table quiz will take place in Aaron’s memory on Saturday February 28 in Claughaun GAA Club at 8pm. The quiz master on the night is Metropolitan Mayor Cllr Michael Sheahan. A table of four will cost €20. All proceeds go to the Aaron O’Flaherty Memorial Fund. For more details check out their Facebook page.
