All About Cork: Garda raises thousands for charity at Cork marathon

A Togher-based garda has raised thousands of euro for a Cork children’s charity by running the Cork City Marathon in his uniform.

The member of An Garda Síochána was among over 10,000 national and international participants who took part in the gruelling 26.2 mile course on June 1; however, unlike most runners, Garda Emmet Long opted for more unusual running attire.

Garda Long of Togher Garda Station sought special permission to take on the Cork city race dressed in his full An Garda Síochána uniform — including tros, blue polo shirt and hi-vis padded vest, which he pinned his race number to.

The only exception was the steel toe cap boots which Garda Long replaced with running shoes.

To date, Garda Long has successfully raised over €3,500 for the Little Blue Heroes in the children’s cancer ward in Cork University Hospital. Little Blue Heroes Foundation is a ed Irish charity operated entirely by volunteers made up of Garda , Garda staff, retired Garda , their families, friends, and civic minded people from communities.

The charity provides practical and financial to families of children who have serious illnesses in Ireland, while granting the wish of the children it s to become honorary gardaí — to empower the child and foster positive engagement with An Garda Síochána.

A representative for Little Blue Heroes said: “We want to give a massive thank you to Garda Emmet Long, based at Togher Garda Station, Cork city.

“With special permission from An Garda Síochána, Emmet took on this test of endurance not only to push his own limits but to proudly represent the force on the streets of Cork while raising funds for Little Blue Heroes. Before ing An Garda Síochána, Emmet served 10 years in the Irish Army — a testament to his unwavering dedication to public service.”

As well as successfully raising funds for the cause, Garda Long also hoped to inspire other of the force to work on their fitness. He said: “We lead by example and [I] want to instil a mindset into all our garda fitness clients how important fitness levels are in the job in general.”

Garda Long is no stranger to pushing his physical limits, as he works to coach garda students to improve their overall fitness levels and to the garda fitness test requirements.

“I have firsthand experience of the requirements and expectancies of all garda,” he said. “Not just the fitness test but for all aspects of the garda recruitment stages and student phase. My aim is to increase the overall rate and to help our clients in pursuit of their desired career in An Garda Síochána and to increase the health and wellbeing of each individual.”

In a statement online, An Garda Síochána Cork congratulated their colleague on his achievement.

“The money will go towards a day out for all the kids and their families so that they can forget about their illness even if for a brief moment. We are grateful to everyone who contributed,” they added.

The Corrs light up the night at Virgin Media Park

Ballyphehane Tidy Towns keeping the locality clean

Ballyphehane Tidy Towns have been out in force keeping the area clean as thousands of concert goers pour into Virgin Media Park for the summer gig lineup.

Litter pickers have been patrolling Connolly Rd, Tramore Rd, Tory Top Rd, and Pearse Rd, as well as side streets and estates.

Special bins have been provided outside the venue and local pubs for bottles and cans as part of the Deposit Return Scheme.

“Our team is back out and about again this year, carrying out litter picks pre- and post-show nights, collecting return cans and bottles, with all proceeds going back in to our community-enhancement works and projects to make Ballyphehane a more beautiful place for all,” Ballyphehane Tidy Towns said.

“We hope everyone enjoys the concert series. We love the buzz around the community, but, also, please help us keep Ballyphehane clean.”

Non-fire night

Non-fire night is back this June in Togher, with a family friendly event in Clashduv Park on Monday, June 23, from 5.30pm to 7.30pm. The event includes a community market, games, music, face painting, drumming demonstrations, and performances. This is an alcohol-free event.

Local clubs get grants

A number of sports clubs in the locality are to benefit from the Cork City Council 2025 Sports Capital Grants.

The following clubs are among the recipients: Everton AFC — €1,260; Lough Rovers — €5,670; Pearse Celtic — €954.15; St Finbarr’s Hurling and Football Club — €7,800; Togher Athletics Club — €3,150.

Sinn Féin councillor Joe Lynch said: “As a member of Cork City Council’s sports committee, I was very pleased to the delivery of almost €100,000 in grants to sports clubs across the city’s South West ward, when our committee met earlier this month to make recommendations, with awards being approved by the city council. I know that the funding awarded will be put to good use for the betterment of the clubs concerned and the local communities they serve.”

Community garden visit

Togher Community Garden welcomed representatives from the Department of Health, including Jennifer Murnane O’Connor, state minister; Pádraig Rice TD; councillor Tony Fitzgerald; and Denise Cahill, of Cork Healthy Cities last week. The representatives visited to acknowledge the health benefits of community food

growing, from ing mental health and wellbeing to providing chemical-free fruits and vegetables.

Céilí at the Lough

Céilí’s at the Lough will return for the summer on Wednesday, June 25 at 7.30pm. The open-air dancing and trad sessions will run each Wednesday until August, with a céilí band. Come and hear local musicians.

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