The Calcutta Run 2024

Over the weekend, CKT Team members with their colleagues, friends and families proudly took part in the 26^th annual Calcutta Run raising vital funds for homeless charities across the country.

Collegiality

Collegiality is a key cornerstone of the legal profession and the support of good colleagues in an adversarial legal world cannot be underestimated. Year after year the Calcutta Run fosters a sense of unity and mutual respect among legal professionals. Yet again in 2024 there was a fantastic atmosphere of friendship and family fun whilst fundraising for three worthy charities.

Dublin Calcutta Run

The Dublin run which took place on Saturday 25^th May is the cornerstone event of the Calcutta Run, consisting of a 6km and 10km run & walk, beginning and ending in Blackhall Place, and proceeding through the Phoenix Park and surrounding areas.

Cork Calcutta Run

On Sunday 26^th May in Cork, CKT participants on foot, on wheels, with four legged friends and buggies followed a 5k leafy loop from Blackrock Hurling Club, along the Marina and around Pairc Ui Caoimh.

Whilst many of us enjoyed a leisurely walk through the beautiful greenway with colleagues, family and friends, the competitive spirit was not lost amongst the camaraderie. The CKT team sheet had some strong race contenders, with our pace setters, Cliona O’Brien and Conor White leading from the front.

One of our youngest CKT participants was seen jumping out of his buggy as he spotted the finish line, crossing it with his arms raised in triumph to the cheers of the crowd. Another young CKT participant went to bed with his medal tucked into his pyjamas on Sunday evening.

Huge credit goes to our Southern Law Committee for organising such an enjoyable event including our own CKT SLA Council Member, Barry Kelleher. A particular thanks also to the SHARE school volunteers who acted as stewards for and Blackrock Hurling Club for hosting the post run BBQ and the well earned post run 99s!

Charity Partners

Since 1999, the Law Society of Ireland’s Calcutta Run has raised an impressive €5.3 million to support homelessness services in Ireland and Kolkata. This year the three charity partners across the Dublin and Cork Run are Dublin Simon Community, The Hope Foundation and SHARE. Dublin Simon Community provide emergency accommodation, sustainable long- and short-term housing, outreach and prevention for those at risk of homelessness, and treatment & recovery services. The Hope Foundation is a charity working with street-connected and slum-dwelling children in Kolkata (formerly Calcutta), India. SHARE, a Cork based charity provides supported independent living in their 140 comfortable and secure housing units as well as providing medical and social support services to day care clients.

Well done to all of the participants, organisers and firm supporters who combine to make the Calcutta Run 2024 such an overwhelming success.