Parkrun in memory of Douglas Hyde to take place in Castlerea

The fourth annual #ParkrunAbú! De hÍde — held in memory of Douglas Hyde — will take place on Saturday, July 11th, between 9.15 a.m. and 11 a.m..

Organised by Roscommon's registered branch of Conradh na Gaeilge — Craobh de hÍde in collaboration with Castlerea Parkrun — this unique community event celebrates the Irish language, heritage and culture in the outdoors and indoors alongside bringing together people of all ages in a spirit of An Ghaeilge, culture and heritage.

The morning begins at The Demesne, Castlerea, with the weekly Parkrun where everyone is welcome but especially participants who want to “give Irish a go”.

This year, organisers are reaching out to walkers to join in the 5km walk.

Following the event, Castlerea Brass Band will lead participants, members of Feeney School of Dance and members of the community to the Trinity Arts Centre, where Douglas Hyde was baptised.

Everyone is invited to enjoy hospitality, music, dance, storytelling and other cultural edutainment, including a talk on the Oscar Award-winning film “Boys Town” and recently venerated Fr. Flanagan by Pope Leo XIV.

Craobh de hÍde — the local branch of Conradh na Gaeilge — extends its sincere gratitude to everyone whose support, generosity and collaboration have made this year's event possible.

These include

Emer Níc Labhraí, An tOireachtas

Susan Gaynor, Castlerea Parkrun and Castlerea Town Team

Helena Finneran, Park Run Director on the day, and all the volunteers of Castlerea Parkrun

Terry McGowan and members of the Castlerea Traditional Irish Musicians Group

Richard Thompson and members of Castlerea Brass Band

Patricia Morris and members Comhaltas Ros Comáin

Úna Ní Chuinn and Roscommon County Council

Christina McHugh, Editor of the Roscommon Herald

Kate Burrows, West Country Willows

Adrianne Murphy, Ros FM and President of the Castlerea Branch of the ICA

Elizabeth Devine, Irish Countrywomen's Association (ICA)

Breege Callaghan, Chairperson of Trinity Arts Centre

Fidelma Croghan, Fr. Flanagan Visitor Centre, Ballymoe

Yvonne Hanbury, Castlerea Community School

Members of An Garda Síochána

Dr Róisín Sheehy, Irish Language Officer, South East Technological University

Siobhán Feeney and members of the Feeney School of Dance

Eugene Conlon, Bagpiper

Members of the GAA

Members of County Roscommon Historical and Archaeological Society

Dr. Niall Brady and US archaeological students participating in Castles in Community initiative in Ballintubber, County Roscommon.