Cork firefighter to race to the top of County Hall to raise funds for CUH

Sub-officer, who once broke records by running a full marathon in firefighter gear, wants public to join him in unique fundraiser

Niall Ó Crualaoich, right, with colleague Caomh McAuley, getting prepped for the run on August 30. Picture: Brian Lougheed

A record-breaking Cork firefighter is urging people to dig out their running or walking gear for Ireland’s first-ever Tower Run up one of the country’s tallest buildings.

Sub-officer Niall Ó Crualaoich, 51, from Mayfield in Cork City, is no stranger to endurance events, once holding the Guinness World Record time for running a full marathon in firefighting gear.

He did that feat in a time of 4:45:30 in the Cork City marathon.

Now he is asking the public to join him in a unique event — a race to the top of Cork County Hall on August 30, to raise funds for Cork University Hospital (CUH).

“This is the first fundraiser of its kind in Ireland, north or south,” he said.

“The plan is to get 100 people signed up, any more we lose the personal nature of it, too few and you don’t have the atmosphere.

“It’s going to tax people, especially if you want to run it, but it’s still achievable for everyone.”

Participants can run or walk up the 67m structure, totalling 17 storeys (334 steps), and get a breather by taking the lift back down. People can sign up at entry.raskis.ie/r/76f51f34101b.

They can also raise additional money by setting up their own fundraising pages or donating at www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/corktowerrun.

“This is part of a multi-year plan. There is so much to do for CUH Charity and this is hopefully going to do a lot of good over the next few years,” said Niall.

“Hopefully, it makes life a little easier for people who need it at CUH.”

The father of three, who will be assisted by fellow firefighter Caomh McAuley and other colleagues, will be the last one to take on the steps, dressed, as he was in his successful World Record bid in 2010, in full firefighter attire.