IT has been a busy few weeks for seven members of the Plymouth Parnells panel, who ran a half marathon to increase the profile of the club and to raise money for local charity St Luke’s Hospice last month.
In beautiful Devon sunshine the lads completed their challenge in a respectable time of three hours and 11 minutes managing more than 40,000 solos collectively along the route. They received great support along the way from spectators and even at times had a bit of time to teach some onlookers the skill of soloing.
Back in January 2015, Roscommon man Shaun McDermott was looking at ways to promote his club Plymouth Parnells, who are the only Gaelic Football team in Devon and Cornwall.
Parnells compete in Gloucestershire County Board competitions against teams from Bristol, Bournemouth, Cardiff, and Gloucester. The club has only been established for six years, but they are working hard on developing the sport in primary schools in the Plymouth area.
Plymouth Parnells near the finishing line.In 2014 the club ran a very successful summer camp which proved very popular with the children, while also receiving very positive comments from their carers.
Shaun McDermottt was determined to increase the profile of the club further and raise some money for local charity at St Luke's Hospice. He came up with the idea of soloing a ball around the 13.1 miles of the Plymouth Half Marathon.
He was joined by Enda Corry (Donegal), Martin Mulkerrin (Galway), Ronan Boyle (Tipperary), Sean Doyle (Kildare), Brendan Hynes (Louth), and Chris Quinn (Tyrone). All the lads have lost someone close to cancer and were proud to support the hospice.
A GAA event is also scheduled for Sunday May 10 at the Old Cryptian, Truffley Avenue, Gloucester.
St Patrick’s Gloucester, Plymouth Parnells, St Jude’s Bournemouth, St Colmcilles Cardiff, Bristol St Nicks, and Bristol Western Gaels will all take part.
