A group of Laois locals recently travelled to Inis Mór, taking part in a fundraiser for a fantastic cause.

Portlaoise locals Ricky Maher, Kieran Lillis, Darren Delaney, Mark Bartley, Craig Scully, Jack Scully and Colin Finn took part in the Aer Arann Islands Half Marathon in aid of the Mater Hospital Foundation. 

While out there, they bumped into fellow Portlaoise locals and participants Orla Dunne and Olywyn Hanson.

This unique event raises vital funds for the Mater Hospital Foundation, with proceeds going to fund new equipment and projects to support staff and patients where it is needed most in the hospital.

People travel internationally to take part in this race, which is organised by Portlaoise woman and Marathon Lead, Angi McNulty.

Pictured: Ricky Maher, Jack Scully, Kieran Lillis, Colin Finn, Craig Scully, Mark Bartley and Darren Delaney

Over the past three years, the Aer Arann Islands Half Marathon has raised just over €300k to transform and improve patient care in the Mater, which provides expert, specialist treatment to patients and their families from across Ireland each year.

This was the third year Ricky Maher has ran in the race, and he says he has enjoyed every minute. The local man praised the fantastic cause, the stunning location, and the work that has gone into its organisation.

"It was my third time in the last ten years to take part in the race, it was the first time for the lads I went with," Mr Maher told the Leinster Express / Laois Live.

"The lads weren't sure what to expect, and they absolutely loved it. We're delighted to have raised around €6,000 for the Mater so far," he said.

Mr Maher said he was deeply moved when speaking with the families who have been supported by the Mater Hospital Foundation.

"You speak with families who have received the best of services from the hospital, some who are still receiving it and some who have sadly lost people. It's very emotional hearing their stories," he said.

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"There's such an amazing sense of community on the island. You're all there to raise money for a great cause, and it's such an uplifting way to do it," he said.

"There was a lovely sit down dinner where we got to hear from the committee members, from doctors, and from people who have benefitted from the foundation. It's an amazing set up, the lads couldn't get over it," he said.

While the weather that weekend was so poor that attendees were forced to take the ferry rather than fly, Mr Maher said that the sun shone for the duration of the race, and that spirits were high across the island.

While there, the group bumped into fellow Portlaoise locals taking part.

"It was great to see Orla Dunne and Olywyn Hanson at it too. They never miss a year, they're super," he said.

Pictured: Orla Dunne and Olywyn Hanson undertaking the race in aid of the Mater Hospital Foundation

Mr Maher explained that the fundraiser isn't treated as a high pressure race, with many participants undertaking it at their own pace. 

"From the locals to people taking part, there's such an encouraging energy there. You meet people you've never met before, and the sense of community is unreal," he explained.

"Everyone there is on such a great buzz. There were DJs playing at the start and finish line, and there was food and drink waiting for us at the end of it. It was such an amazing day."

The Laois man said he was inspired to take part having seen the work done by Angi McNulty, and that it was a great way to push himself out of his comfort zone.

Ricky said that he didn't have to do too much additional training, as he already undertakes a lot of training with the senior footballers. 

"Some of the lads did train in fairness to them, Kieran got a course record of one hour and 23 minutes," Mr Maher praised.

"The seven of us went out there to do it, and we came home with it finished and a great amount raised, we were delighted."

Ricky recommends people to take part, hailing the experience as unbelievable.

"I'll 100% be taking part next year, it'd be great to go with an even bigger team and raise more funds. We're thinking of getting a bus down," he said.

"I'd encourage people to come along and give it ago, the race is great craic and the scenery is unreal. The Foundation pull out all the stops. The sit down dinner is like a wedding setting, and the stories you hear gives you such a sense of togetherness," he said.

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"Angi McNulty is absolutely phenomenal, I've seen the work she has done over the last ten years. She's loved by everyone at the fundraiser, she's a bubbly person with great energy and it feeds through everyone at the event, she spares no effort," Mr Maher praised.

At the time this article was written, Ricky, Craig, Colin, Jack, Kieran, Mark and Darren have managed to raise a whopping €6,193 of their €4,750 target.

The fundraiser is still open to donations. To donate to their fundraiser, click HERE.