On a wet and murky November evening a crowd gathers in City Hall in Cork. Not sure where to go once I enter the building, I hear distinctive laughter coming from upstairs – a sure sign that Aidan, Togher’s club secretary is already there. As I enter the room, Aidan is chatting to some of the Little Athletics coaches – a dedicated team of volunteers who are at the Mardyke track every Monday evening, instilling a love of sport in our younger members and putting them through their paces.
In another section of the room there is chatter of the tribulations and elation of the 2018 Dublin marathon – and some talk of signing up already for next year’s event. The 0-5k coaches chat about how the wind and rain did nothing to deter our latest group from coming out on Tuesday to build up their training ahead of their 5k race target. There is also chat about holiday plans, social events, Christmas parties, upcoming races, injuries, nutrition, new jobs, driving lessons, work commutes, family dramas and some admiration is expressed for those who are going on to do the Run in the Dark 10k directly after the event.
As Lord Mayor Mick Finn launches the road race, he mentions the community spirit in Togher AC and the fact that the club welcomes all abilities and ages – he gives a special mention to Olympian Rob Heffernan and to the work Togher AC is doing to support the Cork Sanctuary Runners. He also mentions the importance of the partnership between Togher AC and Cork Mental Health Foundation and the role the club plays in supporting positive mental health in our community. This is a sentiment echoed by Club chairperson Frank Doherty and who talks about the importance of the camaraderie and friendship within the club and checking in to make sure people are doing ok. He talks about the fantastic work done by Cork Mental Health Foundation and Brendan McCarthy stresses the importance of our road race, not only in raising money, but in raising awareness of their services.
Togher AC is more than a club – it is made up of a group of incredible volunteers who devote their evenings and weekends to supporting and training members. It is made up of runners of all abilities who share a common bond that has resulted in life-long friendships and an atmosphere of encouragement that is rare to see. It is a club full of unsung heroes who work tirelessly behind the scenes to coach, fundraise and ensure events like the 5k race run smoothly. The atmosphere at the launch reflects the whole ethos of Togher AC – friendly, informal and it is on nights like tonight I am reminded why I am so proud to wear the Togher AC singlet.
We are very grateful to our Ryan’s Supervalu Togher who are our main sponsors for our 2018 5k run.