Funds raised at Derek Daly Memorial 5k in Garrycastle presented to hospice

A sum of money raised at the Derek Daly Memorial 5k walk and run in Garrycastle in December was presented to the South Westmeath Hospice recently.

The well-supported 5k event is hosted by Garrycastle GAA Club on St Stephen's Day each year.

This year a total of €1,800 was raised at the event, and from this a donation was then allocated to the South Westmeath Hospice.

The 5k honours the memory of Derek Daly, a native of Retreat Heights, Athlone, who was just 30 years of age when his untimely death occurred in May 2011.

A very popular figure locally, Derek was involved in the music scene and was a former Garrycastle player, winning a Féile na nÓg title with the club in 1995.

The first Derek Daly Memorial 5k took place in December 2011, and in the years since then the event has raised funds for a number of worthy causes, including RehabCare Athlone, the Irish Heart Foundation, and the South Westmeath Hospice.

Derek's brother, Alan, said the support shown by Garrycastle GAA Club to the family over the years was greatly appreciated.

"The club has been hugely supportive, and people have been travelling from far and wide, from different parts of the country, to take part in the 5k each year in memory of Derek.

"It's a great way of keeping his memory alive," said Alan.