Introduction

October 4th 2020

Deep into the COVID-19 pandemic on the eve of another level 5 lockdown my brother playing for St.Finbarrs National Hurling and Football Club (The Barrs) against Castlehaven GAA lost in what I believe was the first penalty shoot out in GAA history. The rivalry between the two sides was and still is immense. The Barrs lost out on penalties as Dr.Tony Holohan recommended a level 5 lockdown effectively shuttering the entire country. The loss was enough of a set back now the lads would have to go home and wait for their next chance at county football championship glory. The looming lockdown made that wait look like forever. My brother knew this was an opportunity missed. The Barrs learned quickly to seize the opportunites that presented themselves 2021 brought county and provincial glory back to the club.

Fast forward to present day (2025) and when Julie said we might have a chance to visit Castlehaven parkrun on a trip to West Cork I jumped at it. I knew that like their reknowned GAA team this parkrun would be tough but we had a chance to further our journey around parkrun Ireland. I’ve encounter opportunity before big and small. I’m told opportunities can be daunting and if they are for you then what I have found useful is to ask are you betting on yourself? If I am then I go for it and get to work. I’ve seen chances slip through mine and others hands and I can live with working at an opportunity and failing but I have to know. To me you never know if you let a chance pass you by. When Julie asked if I’d change career and move to Dublin I knew we had to go and I got to work and made happen. When the chance came to participate in Castlehaven parkrun we made it happen with Edward in the buggy and I’d encourage you to do the same.

Journey around the parkrun World

Julie and I completed Castlehaven parkrun and have now ran, jogged or walked in 46 different parkrun locations around the world.

Course

Course Video

Stroller safe

Julie and I knew that this was going to be the toughest course yet for the buggy. We resolved to carry Edward if and when had too. We did exactly that. I won’t lie and say this is for everyone but if you want to you can take the stroller, struggle and finish. Think of how great that will feel. I’m delighted we did it. I’m confident Edward will look at this when he’s older and see that we found a way in the face of a challenge.

Live a Little

Rineen Woods where Castlehaven parkrun calls home is a haven for anyone who wants to run, jog or walk. Every meter of the woods is worth taking an extra look, selfie or video. I did all three.

Volunteers

The volunteers gave us a huge cheer as we finished and I’d like to make special mention to a lovely tail walker named Mary who kept with us for the 62 minutes we were out on the parkrun course. If you have time to volunteer contact Castelhaven parkrun via email castlehaven@parkrun.com. They are lovely.

Conclusion

Yes you can run, jog or walk Castlehaven. Is féidir leat rith, bogshodar nó súil i nGleann Bearcháin.

Quote of the Week

The most difficult thing is the decision to act; the rest is merely tenacity. Amelia Earhart

Castlehaven parkrun | Haven Hustle