The “Great Garda Run 2009″ Team will see 150 Police Officers from the Irish Police Service (An Garda Síochána) participate in the Bank of America Chicago Marathon on Sunday, Oct. 11 in aid of The Marie Keating Foundation, an Irish Charity, who provides Cancer Awareness and Information to the general Public of Ireland free of charge.
The “Great Garda Run 2009″ Team will be joined in Chicago, by the Chairman of the Boards, former World 5,000 Metres Champion, Mr Eamonn Coghlan, famous Singer/Songwriter Mr. Ronan Keating and Irish Media Presenter, Mr. Shane O Donoghue, as the Official “Team Patrons.”
The participation of 150 Irish Police Officers in this event, will create global history, in that it involves the largest group ever, from any single Police Service worldwide, to collectively take part in a Marathon of this maginitude.
All Police Officers in the “Great Garda Run 2009″ Team, will personally fund all expenses incurred in this trip and therefore, every cent raised by them in this challenge, will go directly to the Irish Marie Keating Foundation.
In total, the Irish Police Team are aiming to raise over €250,000 for this Charity, which will be specifically used to purchase, resource and maintain a Cancer “Mobile Information Unit,” in Ireland to aid the early detection of Cancer.
According to Mr Fachtna Murphy, the Garda Commissioner (Chief of Police)
“I commend the dedication and hard work shown by all Team participants, both in terms of fundraising and training for this tremendous challenge in Chicago.
Endeavours such as the ‘Great Garda Run 2009’ undoubtedly assist, An Garda Síochána in building and sustaining positive partnerships throughout Ireland and beyond. ”
According to Mr. Eamonn Coghlan
“It’s an honour for me to be associated with the ‘Great Garda Run’ Marathon Challenge in Chicago. When, I saw how professional the Organising Committee was in its preparation, I decided to come on board.
The presence of 150 Irish Police Officers participating in the Bank of America Chicago Marathon on Oct. 11 will undoubtedly add a great sense of history and tradition to this fantastic event.”
According to Mr. Ronan Keating
“I am truly grateful to all staff of the Garda Síochána who have decided to undertake this Marathon challenge on behalf of the Marie Keating Foundation.
In the current economic climate, our Foundation like many other charities, finds it difficult to maintain current services, so it is fantastic that the “Great Garda Run” Team have decided to take on this event, to ensure that we continue providing this vitally needed service in Ireland.”
NOTE TO MEDIA:
Photoshoot and Interview opportunities involving Mr. Eamonn Coghlan, Mr. Ronan Keating, Mr. Shane O Donoghue and members of the “Great Garda Run 2009″ Team will take place on Saturday, Oct. 10 between 4 and 5:30pm at the Avenue Hotel, Chicago, 160 E Huron, Chicago, Illinois 60611.
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