It encourages people and children to work together in the interest of the community, promotes a strong sense of community involvement and support, with everybody knowing that those less fortunate will benefit from the day as a result of the efforts made by the whole community.
The Wellington Race originally started in 1976. The ‘Powley brothers’decided, while playing cards on St. Stephens Day, to run off the Christmas excess by having a race over a cross country circuit. Not being the type of men who would be caught dead in a pair of “Nike” or “Adidas” runners the most obvious footwear for this type of event was Wellingtons.
The number of runners has greatly increased over the years and in 2003, €27,550 was raised for charities. The money was distributed to local organisations, which included the hospital, Social Services, schools, Sports Clubs and St. Vincent de Paul. Other worthy causes outside of Castlecomer also benefited, such as Order of Malta, Hope Foundation, Chernobyl Child Care, Irish Society for Autism and many others.
A fancy dress parade is held before the race every year and this attracts all sorts of interesting entries!
By: 6th Class, Convent N. S. Castlecomer
Ready for the off!
New Year's Day Fancy Dress Parade
