Quartet to take on marathon as golf club fundraiser

Most people think long and hard about doing a marathon before putting in months of training. In contrast just four weeks ago Edenderry postman and councillor Noel Cribbin and three fellow members of Edenderry Golf Club decided to complete the Dublin Marathon on October 29 next to raise money for a much-needed drainage programme on their beloved golf course. "There's a major job that needs to be done to the greens to have them playable for the whole twelve months of the year," Noel explained simply. "We decided with money being so tight that the only way we could get the job done is do a fundraiser." The work to be done at Edenderry Golf Club is a drainage programme called sand quaking, which is outside the usual annual budget for the golf club grounds and the upkeep of the course. It's expected to cost something in the region of €5,000, and Noel reckons the sight of Phelim Daly, Alan Maher, Johnny Brady and himself taking part in the Dublin Marathon will do the trick and raise the necessary funds. "This marathon run will be a sight to behold," Noel laughed. "Johnny would be a walker," he said. "As for the rest of us now to do 26.2 miles would definitely be in a car until now!" However having given their commitment the four are out walking every day and are determined to cross the finish line on October 29. Noel is walking up to six miles each day, with longer walks at the weekend, and is currently putting in twelve minute miles. He said he's hoping to finish the marathon later this month in six hours or under, but is putting himself under no pressure. "It's not a race," he said. "We're not trying to break records." Noel and his companions are hoping that between now and the end of their campaign local support will see €5,000 raised. "This is an ordinary man's club," Noel said, describing why Edenderry Golf Club should get support. "Edenderry Golf Club was founded in 1948 by the legendary Fr Killian, parish priest of Edenderry at that time. From that time Edenderry Golf Club has evolved and has become a most important part of Edenderry social life catering for the golfing needs of the surrounding community with great importance and significance placed on junior and juvenile development. We do hope you the public will support this worthy cause." Donations can be made or sponsorship cards obtained from Noel Cribbin, Johnny Brady of Brady's Spar, Alan Maher, Phelim Daly, Edenderry Golf Club or any of the club's committee members.