We woke to the heartbreaking news this morning that Ciarán Ó’Lionáird passed away yesterday in Canada. A superb athlete and Olympian Ciarán was also a supporter of the work of Sanctuary Runners. In 2020, at the height of the pandemic, Ciarán got in touch with us from his training base in Flagstaff, Arizona to offer
We woke to the heartbreaking news this morning that Ciarán Ó’Lionáird passed away yesterday in Canada. A superb athlete and Olympian Ciarán was also a supporter of the work of Sanctuary Runners. In 2020, at the height of the pandemic, Ciarán got in touch with us from his training base in Flagstaff, Arizona to offer support for our participants across Ireland – specifically for those living in Direct Provision centres.
At the time, Irish Olympic rower Claire Lambe was hosting online fitness sessions every Saturday morning for our Sanctuary Runners across the country and Ciarán kindly sent some training videos to contribute. In addition, Ciarán offered a Q and A session with Sanctuary Runners and one evening in the summer of 2020 we all jumped on a zoom call where he answered questions about his career, his motivation and his training regime.
An absolute gentleman Ciarán told those gathered virtually that he had some sense of the challenges involved in moving to a new country and trying to get into a different rhythm. He was so courteous, gentle and generous with his time. Our deepest condolences go to Ciarán’s family and loved ones at this very difficult time– and we send to you Ciarán all our love and thanks for your kindness and compassion.
