All About Cork: Davey, 85, plans to run fourth marathon

There is no sign of one Ballyphehane man slowing down as he attempts to run his fourth marathon, aged 85.

After a double hip replacement, one Cork man’s dream to run three marathons came true at the age of 84 in 2024.

Now, one year on, David (Davey) Walsh, of Pouladuff Road, has decided that three was not the magic number, as he signs up for marathon number four.

Mr Walsh has run the Cork City Marathon three times in the five years after having had both hips replaced.

His daughter, Caroline Walsh, has said that her father’s achievements are “truly remarkable”, and include placing second in the over-70s category of the 2024 marathon.

“Every year we think it will be his last one, but before we know it, he has signed up again and he is off.”

Having also walked the Camino and taken part in other, smaller races, Davey’s daughter said: “There’s no sign of him slowing down.”

Mr Walsh ran a number of marathons in his youth, including the London marathon on two occasions, until an injury stopped him in his tracks.

For 12 years the Ballyphehane man needed the help of walking sticks to get around but when his ability to visit his wife in hospital was hindered, he decided it was time for a change.

“He wouldn’t do anything about it and he walked around in pain for years. When he was 79, my mam was in hospital with dementia; he was struggling to drive out there to see her,” Davey’s son Howard said.

Mr Walsh was delighted with his father’s recovery, but a surprise text from a friend left him speechless.

“I had to go back to Russia for work and I got a text from one of my friends saying that they saw my dad running around the Lough.”

Now, residents nearby have become used to the sight of the octogenarian running laps around the Lough.

The idea to take part in the Cork City Marathon first came about as a way to honour Davey’s wife, who sadly passed away during the pandemic.

This year, Davey will take on his fourth Cork City Marathon while his grandchildren, adorned with matching t-shirts, cheer him on from the sidelines.

“We are so proud of him and the things he is able to accomplish is truly remarkable. I am sure he will be aiming for the number one spot in his category in this year’s race,” Caroline said.

Everton AFC annual pub quiz at Flannery’s Bar

Cherry Blossom Festival and Community Picnic a success

Ballyphehane Tidy Towns held another successful Cherry Blossom Festival and Community Picnic over the weekend, raising almost €1,000, with more than 60 volunteers out in force preparing for the events.

Four new cherry blossom trees were planted by students from Coláiste Éamann Rís, Coláiste Chríost Rí, Gaelscoil an Teaghlaigh Naofa, and South Lee Educate Together.

A new Irish language welcome sign, funded by Munster Rugby, was installed with the expert help of John from Woodies Ireland who volunteered for the day.

The festivities kicked off on Friday evening with a historical tour of St Joseph’s Cemetery by local historian Liam Ó’Uigín. This was followed a ‘Saturday Session’ in Pearse Square with music, refreshments, and fun. On Sunday, the festival hosted a community picnic with a car boot sale, bake sale, and more.

Ballyphehane Tidy Towns said: 

“We raised just under €1,000 this weekend, which helps, but running events like these costs much more. If you can spare a few euro, every cent goes straight back into making Ballyphehane better for everyone.”

Donate: https://gofund.me/7d80aa11.

Marian Shrine open air Mass

To mark the 40th anniversary of the unveiling of the Marian Shrine in the Freagh area, residents are invited to a special open-air mass.

Shortly after the founding of the Freagh Residents Association, plans were made to erect a Marian Shrine in the area, which was unveiled and blessed in May 1985.

To commemorate the 40 years since the shrine’s erection, an open air mass with be held on Friday, May 16. More details to follow.

Host families needed

The Deerpark Community Garden Group have announced that they will be taking part in this year’s Street Feast event.

The event which has been running for 15 years encourages people to get together with their neighbours to share food and enjoy some conversation and camaraderie in gardens, green spaces, and car parks across the country.

The Deerpark Street Feast will take place on Sunday, May 25, in the garden area next to 70A at 12pm. Neighbours can come along on the day or can contact Martha on 083-4399599 if they wish to bring a dish, help to set up or run an activity on the day.

Host families needed

Host families are needed for international students in the Turner’s Cross area.

Accommodation is required for students attending both Coláiste Chríost Rí and UCC for a term or the full academic year.

Gexto Languages Cork said becoming a host family can be a great opportunity for your children to experience a new culture or for older adults seeking companionship and additional income.

For more information contact Cork coordinator Barbara on 089-4995580.

Have Ballyphehane, Togher and Turner's Cross news to share? Contact elaine.whelan@theecho.ie