UNION NEWS

A report from the school


In near perfect weather conditions, over 500, of all ages, participated in the annual 5k Rock Run in aid of Machakos and GOAL.

As race time drew nearer the crowd got bigger and bigger and the Sports Hall was a fantastic hive of activity. The atmosphere at the race start with such a large number of participants and supporters was absolutely wonderful.

Congratulations to our race winner Hiko Ponosa and also Adam Harvey and Liam Blackburn (both 5th year) who came in second and third positions respectively.

There was a huge sense of community throughout the day and an event such as this with all the different variables involved only happens with the support of the entire Blackrock College and Willow Park community.Thanks to our official race starter and Olympic Gold Medallist Ronnie Delany for his continued support of the event, Mr Fintan O̢۪Connor and the Maintenance Team who facilitated any and all requests for the event; Ms Alanna Quinn and accommodations team in Willow Park; Richard Burke and Mark Rogan from the College Union; our event sponsors Bank of Ireland and KPMG; our media partner The Herald and The Irish Independent; our suppliers; General Mills and Yoplait Ireland, Friends First, Applegreen and especially all the Transition Year boys whose engagement in such large numbers made the event such a success.

This was our largest number of race entrants ever and now the aim is to beat this number in 2020!

Finally I thank the boys of TY and their mentors Mr O̢۪Neill, Mr Grant and Mr Savage for their organisation of such a wonderful event.