Gorey Athletics Club marks 50 years of the Town Park

On a crisp and clear Easter morning in Gorey, something special happened…

To celebrate 50 years since the official opening of Gorey Town Park, a cherished green space where countless memories have been made, Gorey Athletics Club brought the community together for a unique and heartwarming tribute: 50km run for 50 years.

The event unfolded beautifully across Easter Sunday morning, with a new 5km segment setting off every half hour from 7:00am. Each one was led by members of the club, many of whom will be familiar faces to anyone involved in local sport over the years. The final group crossed the line to huge cheers and applause shortly after midday, welcomed home by none other than the Club’s Honorary President, Kevin Molloy Snr, who delivered a beautiful speech to the gathered crowd at the finish line.

From the laughter echoing down the trail to the sound of cheering supporters and the smell of fresh coffee in the air, the park came alive in a way that reminded everyone why it remains such a special place in our town’s heart.

The 5km Leaders – A Club Effort from Start to Finish:

07:00 – Jane & Yessyka
07:30 – Kim
08:00 – Nathan
08:30 – John & Gavin
09:00 – Roy
09:30 – Laura
10:00 – Catherine
10:30 – Nicole
11:00 – Alex & Dean
11:30 – David

Each group brought their own energy and sense of purpose, united in celebrating the history of our town park and supporting the club’s future. From the early risers at 7am to the strong finishers at 11:30am, every leader and every runner made their mark.

At the final gathering, Club Chairperson Kevin Molloy Jnr and Club Treasurer David Fitzpatrick shared heartfelt words of appreciation, not only for the runners, but also for the supportive crowd who clapped, cheered, and encouraged every step of the way. It was a powerful reminder that Gorey is a town full of heart, generosity, and joy.

Community Thanks

The day wouldn’t have been possible without the support of some fantastic local businesses and volunteers:

Browne’s of Gorey, who generously sponsored the commemorative T-shirts
Joe Dixon, who captured beautiful moments throughout the day with his photographs
The Coffee Pod, who served up delicious refreshments for tired legs and warm hearts
The Half Volley, who printed the event T-shirts at short notice and helped us mark the day in style
The Gorey-Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council and Wexford County Council, for their continued support

Thanks to everyone’s generosity and participation, over €250 was raised for the club’s juvenile section, a vital boost to help support the next generation of local athletes.

This event wasn’t just about looking back. It was also about stepping forward. After more than a decade away, Gorey Athletics Club is back and thriving, and this run is just the beginning of what’s to come.

What’s Next?

With more events planned in the months ahead, including community fun runs, the start of juvenile training programmes, and social get-togethers, the momentum is building fast. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or just thinking of lacing up your runners for the first time, there’s a place for you with Gorey AC.

Follow the club on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok (@goreyac), register here to join the club, and stay tuned for upcoming announcements.

Let’s keep running—together.

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