The Fr Joe McMahon Memorial Run will take place in Scariff this Sunday, with 5K and 10K options bringing runners, walkers and families together for a community event with a meaningful purpose.
Both races will begin from Main Street at 12 noon, with online entries still available here.
Manual registration will also be available at Scariff GAA Hall from 9.30am until 11.30am on Sunday morning, giving anyone making a late decision an opportunity to join the field.
Proceeds from this year’s event will support Scariff National School and Mountshannon Celtic FC.
A Community Race With A Competitive Edge
The event offers a proper race for those chasing a quick Sunday morning performance, with professional chip timing and a prize fund totalling up to €600.
The 10K provides the longer test, while the 5K is open to adults, children, families and walkers. Both distances receive full event support, with water stations provided along the courses.
Entry to the 10K costs €30, while the adult 5K is priced at €25 and the child 5K costs €15.
A family entry is available for €60 and covers two adults and two children. Families can complete the 5K together, or the adults can enter the 10K while the children take on the 5K.
Every finisher will receive a medal, while event t shirts are available for the first 250 entrants. Official photographers will also be present throughout the morning.
Remembering Fr Joe McMahon
The race will celebrate the life of Fr Joe McMahon, a much loved priest, educator and community figure whose work touched generations across County Clare.
Born in Miltown Malbay in 1949, Fr Joe attended St Flannan’s College before beginning his studies for the priesthood at St Patrick’s College, Maynooth.
He was ordained in 1973 and returned to St Flannan’s that same year. Over the following four decades, he taught Irish and Latin, worked as a guidance counsellor and later served as Vice President and President of the college.
Former colleagues remembered his kindness, empathy, mischievous personality and quick wit, along with the warm welcome and sound advice he offered to students and staff.
In 2014, Fr Joe became parish priest of Scariff and continued serving communities throughout East Clare until his death on 10th November 2024.
His contribution extended far beyond parish life. Fr Joe was a supporter of local music, culture and community organisations, while he also presented a programme on Scariff Bay Community Radio.
Sunday’s run will provide an opportunity to remember that contribution while raising money for two local causes.
Registration And Starting Arrangements
Registration will take place at Scariff GAA Hall, with manual entries accepted between 9.30am and 11.30am.
Both distances will then begin from Main Street at 12 noon sharp.
Those registering on Sunday morning should arrive with enough time to complete the process and make their way to the starting area before the race begins.
Event Essentials
📍 Location: Scariff, County Clare
📅 Date: Sunday October 4th, 2026
🕛 Start Time: 12 noon
📝 Manual Registration: 9.30am to 11.30am at Scariff GAA Hall
🏃 Distances: 5K and 10K run or walk
💶 10K Entry: €30
💶 Adult 5K Entry: €25
💶 Child 5K Entry: €15
👨👩👧👦 Family Entry: €60
⏱️ Timing: Professionally chip timed
👕 T Shirt: Available to the first 250 entrants
🏅 Finisher Medal: Provided to every participant
🏆 Prize Fund: Up to €600
🚰 Support: Water stations and full event support
📸 Photography: Official event photography
🌐 Proceeds: Scariff National School and Mountshannon Celtic FC
With a competitive 10K, an accessible 5K and support for two local organisations, the Fr Joe McMahon Memorial Run has all the ingredients for a strong community morning in Scariff.
More importantly, it will bring people together in memory of a man who spent decades helping others across Clare.
🖊️ Online entries remain available here.
