Coca-cola adds fizz to the Rás
THE Rás na héireann committee have confirmed that Coca-cola will sponsor next month's 2012 Rás.
The February 12th international cross-country event, hosted by Dunleer AC and the Rás na héireann Committee, forms part of a Week of Sport and Culture in co-operation with Armagh Athletic Club, and the news of CocaCola's continued support, together with that of the OPW, Athletics Ireland and local sponsors is a major boost.
The launch of the Larry Mc Guill Coca-cola Rás na héireann takes place at Oldbridge House at 7pm next Wednesday (1st), and the committee invite all athletics fans to attend. Details of the Rás course at the Battle of the Boyne site, Oldbridge, will be unveiled, and confirmed international athletes will be revealed.
The Rás event has special significance this year for all those who have donned the black and amber over the years, as the late honorary president Larry Mc Guill will be remembered for his amazing contribution to athletics during his lifetime.
Larry's involvement in athletics dated back to the 1960s and he remained committed throughout his life to spotting and nurturing talent, instilling self belief into his charges, recommending various coaches for specific athletes and events, encouraging participation, creating opportunities such as the Larry Mc Guill Athletic Academy for Young Talent and helping to provide facilities such as the all-weather training track and clubrooms.
A tireless crusader for the development of athletics in Louth, Larry held many positions at County and Provincial Committee level over the years, but perhaps he will be best remembered for his role in arranging the first Rás na héireann more than 40 years ago, and directing the event for many years after that.
Together with Charlie Breagy, Jacqueline Matthews and Louis Duffin (RIP), Larry revived the international status of the event in 1996 for the Centenary of Dunleer AC and many famous athletes have graced the Rás na héireann since: Olympians, World champions, European medallists and National champions - such as Charles Kamathi, Million Wolde, James Kariuki, Delilah Asiago, Catherina Mc Kiernan, Ann Keenan Buckley and Seamus Power.
