O’Connell Street Gets Sporty

Dublin City Council issued a media release regarding a family event taking place on O’Connell Street next Sunday, 12th May. To facilitate this event there will be a temporary road closure in place on the south bound side of O’Connell Street (Clerys side) from the junction of Parnell Street to the junction of Abbey Street. The road closure will be in place from 2pm – 5pm. The event is estimated to attract 2,000 people into the city centre. See below details of the event, as mentioned in the release issued from DCC.

Media Release: O’Connell Street Gets Sporty

Wanna get sporty? Then don your tracksuit and runners and join Dublin’s Lord Mayor, Naoise Ó Muirí on O’Connell Street on Sunday 12^th May, 2-5pm for what promises to be an exciting sporting street event, packed with fun, games and sporting challenges for all the family.

Dublin City Council in association with Athletics Ireland are delighted to present a unique on-street sporting event in the heart of Dublin City. Lord Mayor, Naoise Ó Muirí has no intentions of hanging up his runners just yet. After a very successful 5-Alive Challenge this year, he is calling on sporting enthusiasts, the not so sporty, students, families and friends to come into the street and join in the fun and activities of the afternoon. The aim of the day is to get active whilst having fun. Children can measure their fitness and test their skills in a number of events over the course of the afternoon. Join in with Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress as they partake in the highlight event of the day; a ‘1-mile’ fun run around O’Connell Street, starting at 4 p.m. No limit on age or fitness levels. There may even be a medal or two to be won!

Lord Mayor, Naoise Ó Murií commented on the event, “Transforming O’Connell Street into a sporting arena for Dubliners and visitors alike will add great atmosphere, energy and vibrancy to what’s usually a normal Sunday on the street. Can YOU afford to miss the opportunity to make history and run in the first ever O’Connell Street Mile in our Capital? We are expecting great interest in this event as well as the many other events on offer, so come along and join in the fun and the spirit of the day. Don’t forget your runners!!!”

Speaking on the event, John Foley, CEO of Athletics Ireland said: “We are delighted at Athletics Ireland to be invited by Dublin City Council to help organise what promises to be an exciting afternoon of athletics in O’Connell Street. There will be a nice mix of Little Athletics Fun Events for the children to take part in and the Mile event at the end of the afternoon will be suitable challenge for all the family”.

Laura Lynn will be the focused Charity on the day. Jane McKenna from Laura Lynn said “Laura Lynn is delighted to be the chosen Charity for this event, especially with the lovely involvement of children. Laura Lynn, Ireland’s first Children’s Hospice, is now bringing precious care and comfort to sick little ones and their families. A million thanks to all who support us and good luck to the Lord Mayor and all taking part in this wonderful event”.

98FM will be on site with their Big Red Thunder Bus cheering on the crowd.

To register for the run please visit: http://bit.ly/10UnuKG

For further information please contact:

Dublin City Council Media Relations Office T. (01) 222 2170, M. 087 740 0277