There may have been a few nervous glances towards the skies on Sunday morning following the heavy rain on Saturday.

But thankfully the rain held off for the runners and walkers of the Run for Oisín 5km and 10km races in Belcoo.

Hundreds of people took part in the race which returned for the first time since 2019 and in what would have been Oisín McGrath’s 21st birthday year.

Funds raised from the run will be split between the Oisín McGrath Foundation and The Children’s Cancer Unit Charity.

The Oisín McGrath Foundation was formed in memory of 13-year-old Oisín McGrath from Belcoo, who lost his life tragically in February 2015.

The Foundation is inspired by Oisín’s life and formed both to keep his spirit alive and to inspire others through his memory.

Exceptional

Administered by the Fermanagh Trust, the Oisín McGrath Foundation provides financial support to young people who demonstrate exceptional commitment and/ or ability to the world of sport but may be held back by their financial situation from pursing their goals.

While some decided it was better to take a leisurely pace around the roads and hills of Belcoo there was a competitive edge to proceedings as well.

First home in the 10km was Belcoo’s own Paul McGrath in 39.09minutes and he was closely followed by the first woman home, Dearbhla Cox in 39.35minutes.

In the 5km it was Tiarnan McManus of St. Michael’s who crossed the finish line first in 17.19 minutes 30 seconds ahead of Frank Buchanan.

Nadine McIntyre was the first female to finish in a time of 20.08 with North Leitrim AC’s Sarah Mulvaney the second fastest female finisher in 20.57minutes.

It was a hugely successful day which went off without a hitch thanks to the many volunteers who helped with registration, water breaks and stood along the routes to give encouragement and make sure nobody got lost.

Oisín’s mother, Sharon, gave thanks to all those who helped out on the day as well as the sponsors whose generous donations meant that all the money raised from registration would go to the charities.

The Foundation is currently open for application and inviting local individuals / clubs to apply for sports development bursaries.

The closing date for this year’s funding awards is Friday, October 28.

For more information or to download an application form visit www.fermanaghtrust.org / E: gemma@fermanaghtrust.org / Tel: 028 66 320 210.