Defibrillator 5km fundraiser gets heartfelt response from Tipperary locals

The Cahir Meet & Train / Cahir Tidy Towns groups teamed up with The 2 Johnnies to raise funds for defibrillators on the Swiss Bridge and Main Car Park last Saturday.

The event was very well attended and the weather behaved for the morning to allow many runners, walkers, wheelchairs, and dog lovers to take to the road for this great cause. Registration took place from 9am and thanks to John Murphy in the Cahir Fire Station for making the building available to the group.

After a warm-up by local lady Áine Roche who was double jobbing as a runner but also representing Healthy Tipperary who kindly supplied goody bags for the winners.

Johnny B was on hand to start the run but took an early lead after causing confusion and word has it that he did a Luas Job after 2km, but the field tracked him down to reduce his early lead.

Meanwhile back at the finish line Johnny Smacks was preparing the bananas and water as the auld knee was giving trouble so he was resting.

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There was a great buzz around all morning as the local celebs were very generous with their time for photos and made chat with anyone who stopped by.

This was a big occasion for the Cahir Meet & Train Groups Couch to 5km gang who have been training with Elaine Doyle for the past eight weeks who performed very well on the day.

Also the visiting Mooreabbey Milers Couch to 5km group had their maiden outing on this course with Tricia Blackburn and Tricia Ryan giving great encouragement along the way.

Cllr Andy Moloney went on to thank all those involved in the event and the organising committee Debs, Nicola, Elaine and Sandra who are happy to report that after the fundraiser that the target of the price of two new defibrillators along with their security boxes had been reached with a few bob left over for training. This was due to the great generosity of those who donated at home and overseas. This money could save a life someday, while we hope they never have to be used.

The organising committee will now liaise with Cahir Lions Club about the purchase and maintenance of the units and will get them in place as soon as possible.

Thanks also to gardaí, the stewards, the media and those that helped in any way to make it a very memorable occasion.