Womens Mini-Marathon 2010

Monday 7th June - Ladies mini-marathon day started off as quite a nice day in Dublin. The temperature was warm, not too hot and not too cold. The forecast was not good so everybody was prepared for the worst. A "soft day" was expected ! As the morning passed, the clouds gathered and the anticipation of rain was imminent. This year a small group of ladies arrived at the Methodist Church on Leeson Lane, the meeting place for team ILFA. Everybody was in good spirits and raring to get going. There were some familiar faces including Rosemary, Carla, Kathryn, Martina, Louise, and Odile and some new ladies including Charlotte, Dawn, and Finola. Little Cora Farrelly was also there with her Dad, wearing her customised ILFA t-shirt,to support her aunts and cousins. Cora is a little sweetheart and her smile was infectious. She cheered everybody up as she mingled with the crowd and said hello to everybody.

As we gathered for our team photo the first rain drops were felt. We took our places on the steps, ignored the ever-increasing rain drops, and all said "cheese" for Marie Sheridan (ILFA Treasurer) as she took some snaps for the ILFA photo-album. After the photos, we all donned our fashionable rain gear (ranging from waterproof jackets to festival inspired plastic macs to good old fashioned bin-liners) and with a gorgeous "good-bye" wave from Cora we made our way to the start. Along the way we met Helen Durney and her ILFA team from Kildare. The ladies were in great spirits and rearing to get going. The streets were packed, the rain got heavier and the words of "Molly Malone" were ringing in our ears before the cheer went out to signal the start of the race.

Thankfully, although it poured down, the rain didn't ruin the spirit of the day and soon we all forgot the weather as we ran, jogged, marched, skipped through puddles and walked the 10km challenge. Unfortunately, it was difficult to spot other ILFA ladies in the crowd this year as most ladies were clad in raingear to protect themselves from the elements. But we know you were out there ! Once we got going, the rain was forgotten about and we got on with having fun and achieving our goal ... crossing that finishing line for ILFA.  

At the end of the race, team ILFA gathered at The Duke pub for some very welcome and delicious tea and sambos. Lorna Murphy (ILFA Nurse Specialist) was there to welcome the ladies and congratulate them on their success There was a large contingent of ladies in attendance. A special mention goes to Ciara and Amy Martin who organised a large group of friends to take part. They were welcomed back by their Mum and Dad, Pamela and Liam. Liam was a star and made sure there was tea and coffee frr all the girls. There was a great atmosphere in the pub and a cheer went out as ladies arrived with their medals proudly displayed around their necks.

A special congratulations to Finola Cadenhead who participated, for ILFA, following a recommendation by her Respiratory Consultant. Finola trained hard and was so enthusiastic about the challenge. Finola was delighted as she crossed the finish line - a great achievement. Barbra Parlon, Transplant Co-ordinator at the Mater Hospital, also deserves a special mention. Well done to Charlotte White, who took part in memory of her dear Father. A group of ladies from the International Womens Club in Dublin also took part for ILFA and are to be congratulated on their success. Altogether, we make up team ILFA so well done to everybody who took part in the mini-marathon and fundraised for our charity. ILFA are incredibly proud of your dedication and enthusiasm, especially in such poor weather conditions. Thank you so much for your much appreciated support. Without your hard work and fundraising we would not be able to achieve our aims.

By the way, next year's mini-marathon takes place on Monday 6th June ... rain or shine ! We would love to see you there !

Best wishes,
Nicola  Cassidy

Ciara Martin, Dublin, wrote
"2010 was my first ever mini-marathon! Despite the rain, a fantastic day was had by all of the girls. There was a great party atmosphere in Dublin City Centre and the streets were filled with people clapping & cheering in encouragement for all of the women running the race. It was a pleasure to raise money for ILFA and I have been touched by all the support from friends, family, ILFA, and strangers. The day was a great success and I can't wait until next year!"

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