Three Angels Road Race returns

Ballycommon 5k for Knigh United and Ronald McDonald House

The Three Angels 5k Road Race returns to Ballycommon this Sunday, January 28, with proceeds going to Knigh United soccer club and Ronald McDonald House in Dublin.

The annual event is held in memory of local couple Fergus and Trish O'Shea's triplets Angelina, Jessica and Nicole, who would have been 21 years old next June, but sadly died at the time of their birth. Angel was stillborn, Jessie survived only a few hours, while Nikki survived for nine days.

“We have honoured their memories in lots of different ways and donated all the money fundraised with your help (over €25.5k so far) in their names to some great charities, including A Little Lifetime and Limerick neonatal unit,” Trish said in promoting the event on Facebook.

“Last year, which was our biggest Three Angels 5k Road Run yet, we raised over €9,000 for two very special girls, Gráinne and Penny's charities - Dip in the Nip/In for a Penny, Crumlin hospital and Ronald McDonald House.

“This year, we have decided to fundraise for our local soccer club, Knigh United, in their honour, and once again we will donate to Ronald McDonald House, which looks after parents of children who spent time in Crumlin hospital, like our Nikki did.

“Anyone that knows me well knows that soccer was my saviour all those years ago when we lost the three girls, and I formed and played soccer for Nenagh ladies team for a long time until it was time for me to retire. I got involved with our local club, Knigh Utd, which was 10 years old this year. We have over 250 kids registered in our local club, made up from boys and girls aged 5 to 17 years old, from surrounding areas.

“We have some of the best soccer players, some who moved on to greener fields and making a name for themselves; fantastic coaches and mentors, and a great committee. We have a temporary home in Knigh, but every year we know we need to put down our roots as the club grows.”

Trish spoke of how valuable sport is for kids, mentioning how all three of she and Fergus' children Charlie, Callum and Joshie played soccer for Knigh over the years. “They loved their time with the club and I'd imagine the three in Heaven might know how to kick a ball too,” she commented.

She welcomed all to the Muintir na Tíre hall in Ballycommon this Sunday to walk, jog or crawl around the roads and bends for 5k. “It starts at 2.30pm from Ballycommon hall and is a lovely route suitable for all - walkie-talkies or speedy sprinters,” Trish said.

There will be refreshments and a raffle in the hall after the race. Donations can be made there on the day, or at the GoFundMe web page, ‘Knigh Utd FC & donation to Ronald McDonald House’.