HUGE EFFORT: Loughmore NS teacher takes on big challenge to raise money for worthy charities

Loughmore NS Junior and Senior Infant Teacher Óisín Ryan has been diligently training for a personally mapped marathon in aid of 2 wonderful causes which he has chosen because of their strong connections to his chosen profession – that of primary school teaching.

Óisín is an enthusiastic and very dedicated teacher, with a specialism in Physical Education and a grá for promoting inclusion, participation, health and wellbeing among young people. 

Leading by example, Óisín is taking to the road with a personal marathon, involving a run from Nenagh to Loughmore NS, which works out at 42km. He aspires to raise €5000 which will be split equally between two organisations. 

The first cause Óisín decided to choose is the Ashling Murphy Memorial Fund. Ashling was a wonderful friend to all from the class of 2021, and a classmate of Óisín’s in Mary Immaculate College.

Aisling suddenly and tragically passed away on the 12th January 2022. This organisation has been set up in memory of Ashling, who inspired so many people during her life.

It aims to support the many individuals, groups and other organisations that Ashling was so strongly involved with and who continue the strong legacy she has left behind.

The second cause that Óisín has chosen to support is raising seed money for the establishment of a social club for children and young teens on the Autistic Spectrum, which will be known as Club Awesome.

This club will be based monthly in Loughmore NS’ new Olympic Hall, and will be open to children of Loughmore and those from the wider hinterland of Thurles, Templemore etc.

The Club aims to assist children in their acquisition and navigation of social and communication skills, while interacting with their peers in play they are interested in and motivated by. This will also be a supportive place for parents to network and support their children and each other. 

The link for donations to this cause is: https://www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/OisinRyanCharityMarathon

Óisín’s colleagues, pupils and the entire school community in Loughmore are fully supportive of the challenge he has set himself and look forward to accompanying Óisín at various points in his run, until he strides back into Loughmore Village itself, accompanied by Loughmore NS pupils for the final 1km. This final stretch will see Óisín run with the late John Kelly’s Olympic Torch, just in time for the opening of Loughmore NS new Olympic Hall that weekend -  Sunday 21st of May at 1pm. 

Loughmore NS will also hold their Annual John Kelly Memorial Race (7.5km) at 11am on Sunday 21st of May. Registration begins at 10am and can also be accessed via www.eventmaster.ie.