A Record Breaking 36th Tommy RYan Carrigaline 5-MIle Road Race, 2025.

Record-Breaking Charity Donations & A National Record at the 36th Annual Tommy Ryan Memorial 5 Mile Road Race in 2025

Race Start 36th Annual Tommy Ryan 5 Mile Road Race 16.02.2025

281 runners took to the roads of Carrigaline on February 16th, 2025 for the 36th Annual Tommy Ryan Memorial 5 Mile Road Race. This event included both athletic achievements and significant charity donations. This year, the race raised significant funds for two local charities, our longstanding partners Carrigaline Meals on Wheels and the Foróige Youth Diversion Project.

We are thrilled to announce that during this year’s race, Eileen Kenny of Tullamore Harriers A.C. set a national five-mile record for a female over 75 years with a time of 00:38:57, recognised by Athletics Ireland. Her daughter, Michelle Kenny Leevale A.C., won the ladies' race in 00:29:51 & Mark Walsh also of Leevale A.C. was the overall male winner with a time of 00:26:15. It was an inspiring performance by all athletes on a challenging course.

Mark Walsh Leevale A.C., Eileen Kenny Tullamore Harriers A.C. & Michelle Kenny Leevale A.C. , Together with Eagle A.C. race directors Ruairi Egan & Karen Bevan.

In recent years, all profits from the Tommy Ryan 5 Mile have been donated to these two wonderful local charities. This year, the organisers are delighted to announce that they were able to make their biggest ever charity donation, with each charity receiving €1,000. This generous contribution will support the incredible work that these charities do in the community.

Mary Meade & Bobbie Lambe of Carrigaline Meals on Wheels with Karen Bevan Eagle A.C.

Carrigaline Meals on Wheels is a local charity dedicated to providing nutritious meals to elderly and vulnerable individuals who may have difficulty preparing food for themselves. Bobbie Lambe & Mary Meade were delighted to accept the €1000 cheque from Eagle AC race director Karen Bevan. They explained how this service is partially funded by the individual receiving the meal and by the HSE, but it is reliant on charitable donations to make up the difference and cover the remaining costs for the service.  The service not only ensures that recipients receive hot healthy meals both prepared and delivered by volunteers, but also offers regular social interaction and support, an important part of their day and a welcome caller in many situations.

Caoimhe Moore & Conor Austin of Foróige with Ruairi Egan of Eagle A.C.

Foróige Youth Diversion Project is a community-based initiative aimed at diverting young people from becoming involved in anti-social behaviour, it facilitates personal development and promotes civic responsibility through various activities and programs. With their recent recognition for state funding, we are delighted that they can still accept charitable donations for specific projects. Conor Austin & Caoimhe Moore were both present to accept the €1,000 cheque from race director Ruairi Egan. As an objective of their service, they recognise the importance of physical activity and athletics for the young people involved in their services and outlined that they would like to foster stronger relationships with Eagle Athletic going forward with the hope of getting more young people involved in the races organises and hopefully some of them would go on to be members of the club. Conor explained “We place a huge amount of importance on young people's physical and mental health and your organisation can give young people a platform to greatly improve both.” This is certainly a reciprocal appreciation with Foróige providing much needed help on race day. Eagle AC would be delighted to see these young people develop a lifelong interest in running & physical activity.

A final thank you must be given to the volunteers on the day. The success of this event was made possible by the dedicated members of Eagle AC, who served as organizers, registrars, stewards, lead car drivers, cyclists, photographers, M.C.s, caterers, and bakers. Their hard work and commitment ensured a smooth and enjoyable race day for all. Thank you also to our race sponsors ‘The Edge Sports’ at Kinsale Road who are very generous in the provision of our category prizes & ‘Coughlan DeKeyser Architects’ who sponsor the course bonus and with no winner this year this was an additional bonus to our charity donations.

As we look forward to the 2026 race, we extend our heartfelt thanks to all participants, volunteers, and supporters. Your involvement makes a difference, and we hope to see you all again next year.

Photo credits with thanks to Joe Murphy Photos & Mick Dooley Photos