Laois hotel manager joins actor Colin Farrell in Dublin marathon for Abbeyleix hero Emma Fogarty

Hollywood actor Colin Farrell is going to cross the finish line with two Laois people in the Dublin City Marathon this October.

Colin will run the last 4km pushing Emma Fogarty from Abbeyleix in her wheelchair, this week giving his Laois friend a special shoutout on the NBC's Late Night with Seth Meyers talkshow in the USA saying "she's magic this one".

"I've known her for 16 years, she's my excuse to slow down for the last two and a half miles. As she said to me we can't be running over speed ramps on the streets of Dublin with her skin, literally it would kill her".

Now Emma and Colin will be also joined by Durrow man, Ger Alley.

Ger is the manager at Killashee Hotel in Kildare, where Emma is always a treasured special guest, and even has her own Butterfly Garden as the hotel is a long term supporter of the DEBRA charity in Ireland.

Emma suffers from the painful EB (Epidermolysis Bullosa) skin condition, where her skin comes off at a mere touch, causing agonising pain during bandage changes, and limiting lifespans. Emma has survived cancer twice as a result, and had her leg amputated while her fingers have become fused together.

Brave and beautiful Emma who has campaigned for years as DEBRA charity's patient ambassador, turned 40 this year and as part of her huge milestone, she will join Colin and Ger over the last 4km of the 2024 marathon, one for every decade.

Emma Fogarty with Colin Farrell.

In doing so they are raising awareness and hope to raise €400,000 for DEBRA to help others born with the condition. 

There is a long-standing connection between Durrow man Ger and Emma who grew up in a neighbouring town in Laois.

Emma’s father was Ger’s maths teacher in secondary school and being of similar ages, their paths often crossed. 

"I was always aware of Emma’s condition and the challenges she faced and I admired her strength and resilience," he said.

Running the Dublin City Marathon has been a long-standing aspiration for him, as he is passionate about fitness and loves a challenge.

"The marathon represents not just a personal challenge, but the opportunity to participate in an iconic event which is truly motivating, and to see how far I can go.

He is getting great support from his friends, family and work colleagues.

“When I said that I'd be running the Dublin City Marathon, their reaction was more of recognition than surprise. They know how much I thrive on challenges and how determined I am once I set my mind to something. The support I've received has been incredibly encouraging.

Killashee Hotel manager Ger Alley with Emma Fogarty.

"It has been heartening to see how much they believe in me, giving me even more motivation to cross that finish line. I really want to contribute in whatever way to raise awareness of DEBRA and financially support the invaluable work the charity does.  Maybe I can make it an annual event and some of the team join in," he said.

With four young children, balancing work, home life, and training keeps Ger on his toes. He said he is fortunate that his wife Eimear shares his love for running and fitness, so they support each other in maintaining a healthy balance.

"Most of my training happens early in the morning or late at night when the house is quiet, and the kids are asleep," he said.

He is following a 12-week training plan designed by Emmet Quinlan to be ready for the epic 26 mile run.  He spends three days a week in the gym, focusing on strength and conditioning, along with five days of running each week.

"The runs are a mix of long-distance endurance sessions and shorter, high-intensity sprints. This balanced approach ensures that I'm building the stamina and strength needed for marathon day, while also maintaining a diet that supports peak performance.  Emmet’s guidance and approach to both nutrition and fitness has been invaluable, and he’s confident this plan will have me ready to give my best on race day," Ger said.

A team at Killashee is also supporting DEBRA by undergoing a 40 Days of Fitness and fundraising that started on September 17 and finishes on the marathon day.

This fitness challenge aims to get the team active for 40 days, whether that is walking, swimming, running, or cycling. Each day they log their activities on a Strava app to keep track of their activities.

The hotel is encouraging the public to help make Emma's birthday wish come true.

"Emma Fogarty continues to be a DEBRA Patient Ambassador representing the voice of the EB community. She is on a mission to transform the future for people who suffer with EB in Ireland, so that everyone with skin as fragile as a butterfly’s wing can live the longest, fullest life possible. Help make Emma’s birthday wish come true with a special donation. Together, we can create a brighter future for those with EB in Ireland".

Find out more information about Ger Alley’s Marathon Run and DEBRA and Emma’s Birthday wish visit:

https://www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/GerAlley1

 https://www.DEBRA.ie/emmas-40th-birthday-wish/

For further information visit www.killasheehotel.com