*Lucy McGrath.
NEWMARKET-ON-FERGUS’ Lucy O’Brien, a gold medal winner in the Special Olympics was among the ambassadors on hand to launch the Purple Run.
Across October which is Down Syndrome Awareness Month, the Purple Run is a flexible, month-long virtual fitness challenge. Members of the public are invited to walk, jog, or run a total marathon distance of 42km (26.2 miles) across the thirty one days of October at their own pace.
Lucy was among the ambassadors at the launch of this year’s Purple Run alongside Irish rugby international Joe McCarthy, his brother Andrew and members of Down Syndrome Ireland (DSI) from across the country.
With experience of competing in the Special Olympics, Lucy is well placed to encourage participants to get involved in the Purple Run. “I joined Shannon Flyers when I was 7. I competed in the Special Olympics Ireland Games 2026 in running and mini javelin, I won gold!” she recounted. “I feel like the wind when I run, and I can throw far”.
Offering her advice for the Purple Run, she told participants, “Be confident, calm and enjoy it, have fun”.
At the local Clare branch of Down Syndrome Ireland, Lucy avails of services such as Zumba and dance classes.
Every euro raised through the initiative will directly fund DSI’s core services nationwide, assisting individuals with Down syndrome through every milestone, from early intervention to inclusive education, clubs and classes, and employment opportunities.
Joe McCarthy, Leinster & Ireland Rugby Player said, “I’m always proud to stand alongside Andrew and support Down Syndrome Ireland. The work they do to empower people with Down Syndrome across the country is incredible. The Purple Run isn’t about setting record pace, it’s about community, inclusion, and getting active together”.
Andrew McCarthy added, “I’m delighted to launch the Purple Run with Joe. Staying active and being part of a team is so important to me. Getting involved is a fantastic way for families, friends, and colleagues to get out in the fresh air and make a big difference for people with Down syndrome”.
You can take part as an individual, group, school or workplace and raise funds for your local branch by signing up at purplerun.ie.
Participants receive an exclusive, limited-edition Purple Run running top, calendar to track their steps, and access to a Purple Run community Facebook page.
