Guiness Book of Records World Record Attempt in Rathcoole
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Archived item. This item is published here for historical reasons. The information below may be out of date.
Press Release Issued 1st September 2009
Earley and Amond aid World Record attempt in Rathcoole in aid of the Irish CancerSociety
DERMOT EARLEY and PADRAIG AMOND yesterday gave their support to the Guinness Book of Records world record attempt that will take place at Rathcoole Park this Saturday, 5th September.
Kildare GAA star Earley and Shamrock Rovers striker Amond will join former athletics world champion John Treacy as a community joins together to make its mark for the Irish Cancer Society!
On a day to remember, thousands of people from the Four Districts of Rathcoole, Saggart, Newcastle and Brittas will converge onRathcoole Park (opposite Avoca, just off the N7) to try to set a new world record for the most number of people to walk one mile for charity in one day.
The two brilliant footballers sent a reminder to the many residents of their own counties that this record attempt is not just confined to one area but is open to anybody that wishes to make their contribution.
Ill be there on the day and I know a lot of people in Kildare will be making the short trip up to Rathcoole for the walk, said Newbridge native Earley, an All-Star in 1998. Republic of Ireland under-21 international Amond added: Im from Carlow and I know that interest in the walk has spread that far too. Its for a fantastic cause and everybody should support it.
The Four Districts Charity Walk team are also pleased to announce the headline act at the World Record Party in Citywest Hotel on the night will be the superb Paddy Casey with many other top acts also lined up.
Many family events will take place including face-painting, bouncy castles and other sports activities for young children.
With the help of local sports clubs including St Marys GFC, Rathcoole Boys and Commercials Hurling Club, numerous sports-related fun events will also take place including a long free competition, penalty shoot-outs and a puc fada contest. Dublin footballer Blaine Kelly plus Shamrock Rovers and St Patricks Athletic players will be in attendance. Kilkenny and Tipperary County Boards have also given their support to this initiative.
One of the highlights of the day will see Rathcoole native, Captain Edward Hollingsworth, lead an Aer Corps display over the park.
The Medical support will be provided on the day by the Order of Malta and a host of local organisations have given their support to this unique occasion that has captured the imagination of the locality.
We would like to thank our sponsors including Citywest Hotel, Coldwell Banker Penrose & O'Sullivan, Murphys Pram Shop, Little Saints Creche, Jenny Burke Solicitors, Cavan Developments, A to Z Hire, Ace Marquee Hire, ATC Ltd, Spectrum Print, The Drawing Board, Magco, INC Design and Aer Lingus.
We all have one life and we all know of at least one life that has been touched by cancer. This world record attempt under the watchful eye of the Guinness Book of World Records adjudicators is one determined attempt of a community to come together to aid those whose lives have been hit by cancer.
Here's how it works:
From 9.00am until 6.00pm on Saturday 5th September EVERBODY is invited to turn up at a time that suits them, register their name, pay an entry fee of 10 per adult or 20 per family then walk a mile in the Park.
For those who would rather walk a little further, a 6 mile walk will commence from the Park at 3.00pm and will take in the beautiful surrounding countryside of South County Dublin. The last mile of this will be in the Park and will contribute to the world record attempt.
There will be lots of family fun activities and entertainment in the Park during the day. Parking will be provided by all local sporting clubs, including Commercials Hurling Club, St Marys GFC and Rathcoole Boys FC.
Once the record breaking attempt officially ends all participants are invited to gather at Citywest hotel, from 8pm onwards, where the Guinness World Record result will be announced!
Remember every person counts - every mile counts. Play your part. One day, one mile, one life.
BACKGROUND TO THIS UNIQUE EVENT
We all know someone who has been affected in some way by cancer. This walk is a chance to do something small to raise much needed funds for the Irish Cancer Society - a very deserving cause.
Rathcoole resident Michael Ryan was inspired to establish this unique event after participating in the Annual Irish Cancer Society walk in 2009.
Earlier this year I took part in the Irish Cancer Society's Annual Spring Walk, which involved spending a week hiking 100kmthrough the beautiful Alpine countryside of Slovenia, Michael explained.
I was amazedby the strength of character and vitality of the amazingpersonalities I met on this tour, who eachhave either encountered first hand the cruel blow of cancer orhave suffered the loss of loved ones to this terrible disease.
I determined that upon my return I woulddo something which would make a difference to this Cause. Their unbroken spirit in the face of such adversity should inspire us all to count our blessings and move heaven and earth to ensure Ireland has Cancer Care we can all be proud of.
CONTACT DETAILS
Stephen Finn: 086 8375909
Justin Healy: 087 9548300
Michael Ryan: 00447795266414
FACTS & FIGURES ABOUT CANCER IN IRELAND
25,465 new cases of cancer were diagnosed in Ireland in 2005 and the National Cancer Registry estimates that this figure will rise to 41,743 cases by 2020, which represents a 62% increase.
The existing incidence and predicted increase is largely associated with an ageing population as age is the biggest risk factor for cancer as well as a growing population (up to 4.2 million as indicated in Census 2006). The increases are also attributed to a general neglect of healthy lifestyle behaviours. Latest data shows that in 2005 a total of 7,115 people developed cancer in Dublin.
Last year
- 1.7m was spent on the Irish Cancer Society night nursing service. The provision of this service means that patients can remain at home with the support of a night nurse when they are very ill. Of the 1,642 families who availed of this service last year, 301 of these families were in County Dublin.
- 920,220 funded the employment of twenty-seven hospital based cancer liaison nurses who work in major cancer treatment hospitals across the country and twelve of these nurses are employed in Dublin Hospitals (St Vincents, St Jamess, St Lukes, Tallaght, the Mater and Beaumont hospital.) These nurses provide an important link between the patient and other healthcare professionals during the cancer journey, giving vital information and emotional support.
- Irish Cancer Society Helpline (Freefone 1800 200 700), which is staffed by nurses trained in cancer care, who offer advice, information and support to anyone worried about any aspect of cancer prevention, early detection, diagnosis, treatment. The Helpline received 12,468 calls last year and 5,611 of these calls were from callers in County Dublin.
Images
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Dermot Earley Padraig Amond 1 -
Dermot Earley Padraig Amond 3 -
Padraig Amond Aisling Finnigan Dermot Earley 1