Name: Pádraic Gilligan
Occupation: Chief Marketing Officer
Local parkrun: Bushy Park Terenure
How did you get involved in parkrun?
My daughter Orla cajoled me into doing it.
What do you love about parkrun?
The community.
Who do you participate with?
Usually my daughter Orla but when they’re in Dublin or we’re in Kerry I do it with my grandsons!
Any parkrun milestones / achievements you would like to share?
Over 100 parkruns done.
How has parkrun impacted positively on you?
It has given me a new lease of life in my 60s and connected me with a warm, friendly, encouraging community.
What have you missed most about parkrun?
The community.
Who is your dream parkrun buddy?
My children and grandchildren.
What was your best parkrun experience?
My first one back after lockdown – ran a very unexpected PB.
What was the funniest parkrun moment?
They are all fun!
What advice would you give to someone who’s never been to parkrun?
Try it, even as a walker. We’re a friendly, welcoming crew. It’ll get you out of bed for 9:30 on a Saturday morning and maybe you’ll have one less glass of wine on the Friday night!
Anything else you’d like to share?
My Dad was from Offaly and worked as a landscaper in Bushy Park. I wear an Offaly GAA county jersey every week in his memory.
#loveparkrun
parkrun is the best way to spend Saturday morning – actively, smiling and spending time with others. Everyone, regardless of their physical abilities, will find a place at parkrun. It’s also a place that other organisations can use to support their clients. For example, the ‘Misz-Masz’ group took advantage of parkrun to integrate children with…
Last Saturday morning, our friends at Vhi had Vhi ambassador former jockey Nina Carberry join Poppintree parkrun as part of Vhi’s More Than Running campaign. The weather couldn’t have been better, and 178 parkrunners came out to join Nina in the sunshine. As proud presenting partners, Vhi wants to encourage all parkrunners, regulars and…