Main pic: Shay Given with family and friends at the Joe and Andy charity 5K in Killygordon today. Pic: Finn Valley AC.
Former Ireland goalkeeper Shay Given joined hundreds of walkers and runners earlier today for the Joe and Andy 5K at Crossroads, Killygordon.
The charity event raised almost €5,000 which will be shared among five local clubs to aid youth development.
Andrew (Andy) passed away suddenly aged 56 on December 13, 2020, while Joe lost his battle with cancer less than a year later, on September 18, 2021, at just 54 years-of-age.
Both men were neighbours, lifelong friends and fierce competitors on the athletics circuit around the county and beyond.
Their friends and families decided to organise the event in their memory again this year, for the first time since 2023.
“We wanted to give everyone the chance to start the New Year afresh with Joe and Andy in mind,” said chief organiser, Declan Carlin.
Runners set off at the start of the Joe and Andy charity New Year’s Day 5K at Crossroads, Killygordon. Pic: Gerard McHugh Photography.
Given, now a TV pundit, was joined by family members, including brothers Marcus and Liam and sister Michelle to take part in the fun event.
Although the race wasn’t officially timed, there was something of a competitive edge to it with Finn Valley AC’s Enda Doherty first across the line. He was followed closely by clubmates Gerard Gallagher and John McElhill. Finn Valley AC juvenile athlete, Aimee McElchar, was the first female to finish at the CAKE Centre after a course that took in the scenic Monellan Wood.
Almost 500 people registered for the run and walk in aid of Curragh Athletic, Markievicz Camogie Club, Red Hughs GAA, Setanta and the Three Rivers Badminton Club.
Donations can still be made via the following Revolut link: https://revolut.me/declanraj2
All pics below by Gerard McHugh Photography.
Enda Doherty (centre) winner of the Joe and Andy 5K with second placed Gerard Gallagher (r) and John McElhill who finished third. Pic: Gerard McHugh Photography.
Mary (L) and Clare Scanlon at the Joe and Andy 5K. Pic: Gerard McHugh Photography.
Enda Doherty who was the winner of the Joe and Andy 5K. Pic: Gerard McHugh Photography.
Former Tyrone star John ‘Tar’ Lynch (L) closely followed by Donegal Masters forward, Damien Browne.
Cousins Conor Gallagher (L) and Mark Wilkinson at the Joe and Andy 5K. Pic: Gerard McHugh Photography.
Shane Gallagher taking a rest at the Joe and Andy 5K. Pic: Gerard McHugh Photography.
Red Hughs and Finn Valley AC teammates Shea Irwin (L) and Odhran Gallagher in a race for the line at the Joe and Andy 5K. Pic: Gerard McHugh Photography.
Local GAA stars Jonny Carlin (centre) with Conor Gallagher (L) and his cousin Mark Wilkinson at the Joe and Andy 5K. Jonny is currently training with the Donegal senior panel while Conor and Mark are members of the county underage development squads. Pic: Gerard McHugh Photography.
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Local hero, Orla Sweeney, at the Joe and Andy 5K. Pic: Gerard McHugh Photography.
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Carl and Marie Scanlon with Ava (front), Patrick and Eoin.
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Shea Irwin (Centre) and Enya Gallagher and her brother, Odhran, at the Joe and Andy 5K.
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