All About Cork: Aidan helps to raise funds for Rainbow Club Centre
Blackrock native Aidan Hogan during his marathon and ultra challenge in aid of the Rainbow Club with fellow marathon runner, Collette O’Hagan
Almost €3,000 has been raised for the Rainbow Club Cork Centre for Autism by Irish marathon runner, Aidan Hogan.
Mr Hogan, who is a Blackrock native, undertook the challenge of completing 35 marathons and three ultras throughout 2025, both at home and abroad, in a bid to raise money and awareness for the Mahon-based facility.
Having previously ran up to 300 marathons and ultras, Mr Hogan said that he decided to undertake the challenge for the Rainbow Club as it is a cause that is close to his heart and home.
Between January and December, Mr Hogan took part in the Donadea Ultra Running Festival, Donadea 50K, Tralee 50K, East Antrim Marathon Series, Royal Canal Run Longford, Limerick Marathon, MCI Blueway Marathon Clonmel, Clare Burren Marathon Challenge, Tullaroan Marathon, Cork City Marathon, Portumna Forest Marathon and more.
He additionally undertook races in Malta, Slovakia and Nice in France.
As a result of the challenge, Mr Hogan raised €2,910 for the charity via the organisation’s online fundraising page, which has since closed to donations.
Speaking to , Mr Hogan said that despite his extensive experience running marathons and ultras, last year’s challenge was “very hard”.
“The Rainbow Club is the only organisation of its kind in Ireland where you can leave your child at the centre and family members and carers can get a break,” said Mr Hogan.
“Being honest, I thought I would raise a lot more money, the target was €5,000, but charity work these days is hard – it's hard to get people to donate, but it was all about raising awareness for the club, which was great.
“The challenge was very hard – there are less marathons these days, so I was travelling a lot – I also got injured about halfway through, but I still ran anyways.
“It was tough, but it’s done now and I’ve been through worse,” he added.
“Getting the Rainbow Club name out there and getting it noticed is what I wanted [to accomplish], it’s not easy work and there is need for more establishments like it.
Looking ahead for 2026, Mr Hogan said he is looking for a local business or multi-national corporation to sponsor his next fundraising campaign.
“Hopefully I can do another one, we’ll see what happens,” said Mr Hogan.
All proceeds raised from Mr Hogan's challenge will go towards the charity, which additionally has an ongoing fundraiser open for donations to aid them in securing a new facility.
To make a donation to the Rainbow Club's New Home Fund campaign, visit: https://tinyurl.com/yc8k6543.
The Blackrock National Hurling Club has announced its participation in the Healthy Clubs Steps Challenge.
The event, now in its 7th year, sees GAA clubs across Ireland track a combined 4000km over five weeks to be in for a chance at winning €30,000.
A spokesperson for Blackrock National Hurling Club said they are taking part in the event again as it has “been a great success in previous years”.
"If you’d like to get moving after Christmas or just get out for a social walk, this is a nice opportunity,” the spokesperson said.
“All are welcome, we’re looking forward to a good crowd.” Walkers will leave the club at 7pm on designated walking days, with complimentary tea, coffee and hot chocolate available in the Rockies Bar.
For more information, email: info@blackrockhurlingclub.com.
Ringmahon Rangers AFC have bid farewell to 3rd year student, Kaycee Healy Brett.
The Nagle Community College student has been signed to the Transition Year (TY) programme at Cork City FC’s Player Development Academy (PDA).
In a post shared on social media, a spokesperson for the club wished Miss Healy-Brett “all the best” at professional team and congratulated her on the signing.
“On Saturday evening, Kaycee played for Ringmahon Rangers for final time before she officially signs for Cork City FC,” the spokesperson said.
“Congratulations [and] all the best to Kaycee, don’t be a stranger to Ringmahon."
At the Cork City FC PDA, Miss Healy Brett will experience full-time professional training, integrated education, and a trip to Hale End in East London, to take on the Arsenal Academy.
The O'Mahony Academy of Irish Dance has announced the launch of new beginner dance classes for children in Mahon.
In a post shared on social media, a spokesperson for the school said that beginner dance classes will take place at the Blackrock GAA Club every Wednesday, and are available to both newcomers and experienced dancers.
The class will take place from 4.45pm at the club, with interested participants asked to contact Carol on 087 613 9422.
A final call for ticket purchases has been made for the annual Rainbow Club Cork Centre for Autism's ladies’ lunch.
The event, taking place at the Carrigaline Court Hotel on Saturday, has been described by the Mahon-based organisation as one of their “favourite events of the year”.
In a post shared on social media, a spokesperson for the club said they are “so excited to kick things off and are incredibly grateful to the amazing businesses who have sponsored this event”.
Businesses who have been announced as this year’s events sponsors include Zero Gravity Float, District Health and Leisure, Spotlight Oral Care, The Wine Tavern and National Beauty Distribution.
Attendees will be treated to live music, alcoholic bubbles, a range of pop-up shops, bags of goodies and a raffle.
Tickets are priced at €70 and are available for purchase here: https://tinyurl.com/23akmw3p.
A new beauty and wellbeing workshop will take place at Ringmahon House next week.
The event, organised by Cork City Partnership in collaboration with the Government of Ireland, will take place on January 20 from 2pm to 4pm.
Interested participants are asked to register their attendance ahead of the event by contacting Caitriona Ní Mhaidin on 083 360 4611.
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