The Vhi parkrun Hero award for the month of April has been awarded to Pat Merrick from Castleblaney parkrun.
The monthly award recognises and rewards inspirational, hardworking and dedicated members of the parkrun community who embody the ethos of parkrun or have made an outstanding contribution – be they participants or volunteers.
Pat was a founder of Castleblaney parkrun over seven years ago and has continued to make an exceptional impact on parkrun ever since.
As a community leader, Pat wanted to put something in place for the Castleblaney community that would help bring people together, promote healthy living and bring another use to the beautiful park that hosts Castleblaney parkrun.
He loves to meet the visitors to Castleblaney parkrun and is there to greet them with a warm welcome each Saturday morning. He loves the social aspect and the sense of community you get from parkrun, and admires the inclusivity that it’s not a race but more about taking part.
Pat continues to inspire the next generation of parkrun volunteers, recently working with TY students who continued to volunteer well past the point where their required hours were completed. To show his appreciation, Pat recently put the students forward for the Garda National Youth Awards to recognise their outstanding contribution to Castleblaney parkrun.
Nominate a participant or volunteer for the Vhi parkrun hero award.
Alternatively, if you are a Vhi customer you can also nominate a member of the parkrun community for the award within the Vhi app. Winners will receive a €250 One4All voucher and a winner’s medal courtesy of Vhi.
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