Musgrave Triathlon to raise funds to fight cancer in Ireland

02/08/2010

The ninth annual Musgrave Triathlon, which to date has raised over €2.7 million in aid of the Irish Cancer Society and Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital Crumlin, was launched today by Cork hurler Aisake O hAilpin and Cork footballer Paul Kerrigan. The triathlon will take place at Farran Woods in Cork on Saturday, 4 September. It attracts over 500 participants every year and it is hoped that the triathlon will raise another record amount in 2010.

The Musgrave Triathlon, which raised €250,000 in 2009 alone, has provided much needed funds for the Irish Cancer Society and Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital Crumlin since its inception in 2002. To date, funds raised from the Musgrave Triathlon have been used in the construction of the Oncology/Haematology outpatient facilities and expansion of the emergency department at Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital, Crumlin, in addition to the development of the Irish Cancer Society Daffodil Centre in Galway University Hospital.

Shea Fahy, HR Director, Musgrave, said, "The Irish Cancer Society and Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital Crumlin play a vital role in combating cancer in Ireland and this year we are delighted to announce that we are extending our fundraising support to include Cork Cancer Research Centre (CCRC). CCRC is an internationally recognised cancer research centre that has been very active in developing new treatments for cancer patients over the past 11 years.

Core to the Musgrave philosophy is building vibrant communities, so we are proud to support these very worthy organisations and to raise vital funds to help them achieve their objectives. The triathlon is a great way for people to get involved and have a bit of fun at the same time. From a personal perspective, it is fantastic to see the passion displayed by the participants, our retail partners and our staff in the run up to the event each year. I would urge people to log onto www.musgrave-triathlon.com to see how to get involved and raise funds for these great charities."

This year, monies raised will help fund the establishment and development of the Irish Cancer Society Daffodil Centres. The first Daffodil Centre opened in Galway University Hospital in September 2009. The ICS hopes to establish a further four Daffodil Centres during 2010, including one in Beaumont Hospital, Dublin and Waterford Regional Hospital. These centres will help and support thousands of people affected by cancer across Ireland.

Since the inaugural triathlon in 2002, the popular event has seen over 3,000 participants take to the water, roads and running tracks around Farran Woods in County Cork to raise much needed funds for these two fantastic charities.

The triathlon involves an 800m swim, followed by a 33km cycle and a 10 km run. Entry forms and advanced training schedules can be downloaded from www.musgrave-triathlon.com or by contacting Musgrave Retail Partners Ireland on 021 480 3000.