News
Seanie Clifford running the entire Wild Atlantic Way for mental health
Killarney man Sean Clifford, better known locally as ‘Seanie Runner’, is currently attempting one of the toughest endurance challenges ever seen in Ireland by running the full 2,700km length of the Wild Atlantic Way.
He set off from Muff in Donegal on August 7 and plans to reach Kinsale, Cork, early next week.
The route takes in the full Atlantic coastline of Ireland and will require him to cover an average of 90 to 100 kilometres every day. If successful, he will complete the distance in just 27 days.
Mental health focus
Clifford is not chasing records for the sake of it. His run is aimed at raising awareness for mental health and the benefits of outdoor activity. He said before starting the challenge that his goal is to highlight the importance of exercise, fresh air, and community support when it comes to dealing with mental health struggles.
Throughout the month, he will share updates on his progress across social media, including Facebook pages where he is referred to as the ‘Crazy Kerry Man’ as well as through a documentary being filmed by Niall Foley. A live tracker also shows exactly where he is along the route. [https://live.primaltracking.com/waw2025/]
Donegal start
On the first day of the run, Clifford covered 103km from Muff to Malin. Strong winds and heavy weather made conditions difficult, but he completed the opening stage and reached Malin village by nightfall.
The route took him past Inishowen Head and Banba’s Crown at Malin Head, Donegal’s most northerly point, before finishing at his first planned stop. Clifford admitted he would have run further only for his crew stepping in to manage his schedule.
Across the coast
By this Friday, Clifford is expected to have completed the full Ring of Kerry section of the Wild Atlantic Way and be running in the direction of the Beara Peninsula, pushing through more than half of the entire route.
The challenge is being carried out on a solo basis, but Clifford has been receiving strong support from family, friends, and local communities who have turned out to cheer him along the way.
A film crew is following his journey to capture the highs and lows of the challenge. The documentary is set to show not just the physical effort involved but also the wider message of the importance of resilience, community spirit, and looking after mental health.
Support from Kerry
Clifford is already well-known in Kerry running circles, but this challenge is bringing his story to a national audience. His determination to complete the route and his willingness to use it to promote mental health awareness has been welcomed by many groups.
If he succeeds, Clifford will have covered more than 2,700 kilometres of coastline in under a month,the equivalent of running over 64 marathons back-to-back
Top golf scores at Mahony’s Point
Ivan Tagney and Aoife Twomey secured top honours at Killarney Golf and Fishing Club as members turned out in large numbers to compete for Captain Tomás Kelliher’s Prize on Mahony’s Point.
In the men’s event, Ivan Tagney claimed the Captain’s Prize with an impressive 42 points. Conor Dillon carded 48 points, returning the lowest score of the weekend, though he was ineligible for the main trophy without an established handicap.
Despite wet weather, the ladies section produced remarkable scoring on Sunday. Aoife Twomey took first place playing off 28 handicap, recording a nett 63. June O’Brien finished runner-up with a 67 nett, followed by Kay O’Connor in third with a 69 nett.
Captain Tomás Kelliher extended his thanks to the committee, staff, and volunteers for organising the flagship competition, praising the course condition and strong turnout across both events.
Results
Men’s Captain’s Prize 1st: Ivan Tagney (42 pts) Best Score: Conor Dillon (48 pts) 3rd: Joseph Sheahan (41 pts) 4th: Michael Cotter (41 pts) 5th: Emmet Scanlon (41 pts) 6th: Ian Sherlock (41 pts) 7th: Cathal O’Connor (40 pts) 8th: Aaron McCann (40 pts) 9th: Dan Quirke (40 pts) 10th: Mark Tuite (40 pts) 11th: Alan O’Meara (40 pts) 12th: Donal Begley (40 pts) Best Gross: Donal Considine (72) Category 1: 1st Kevin Leacy (39 pts), 2nd Ian Cronin (39 pts) Category 2: 1st Adam Carey (40 pts), 2nd Jack Crehan (40 pts) Category 3: 1st John McEnery (40 pts), 2nd Thomas Coleman (39 pts) Category 4: 1st Mike Dreelan (38 pts), 2nd Jason Reen (38 pts) Front Nine: Aaron Coffey (24 pts) Back Nine: Chris Myers (24 pts) Past Captain: Pat Cussen (38 pts) Over 70: Joe Geaney (39 pts) Committee Prize: Shane Horgan (38 pts) Guest Prize: Jack Kelliher
Ladies Captain’s Prize 1st: Aoife Twomey – 63 (28) 2nd: June O’Brien – 67 (20) 3rd: Kay O’Connor – 69 (13) 4th: Louise Langan – 70 (19) 5th: Mary Tobin – 71 (20) 6th: Geraldine Tarrant – 71 (26) 7th: Kathleen O’Keefe – 71 (19) 8th: Noreen O’Callaghan – 72 (18) 9th: Anne Moynihan – 72 (2) 10th: Breda Duggan – 72 (29) Best Gross: Kelly O’Donoghue (76) Front Nine: Kate O’Leary Back Nine: Sarah O’Brien 13-Hole Competition: Maud Malone – 24 pts (28)
‘Natural Kerry’ opens at Killarney House
Tralee Art Group’s ‘Natural Kerry’ exhibition officially opened at Killarney House and Gardens on Saturday, August 8, celebrating the landscapes, people, and culture of the Kingdom.
Opening remarks were given by TAG Chairperson Caitríona Foley, who welcomed artists, family, and friends before introducing special guest Michael Gleeson, former Mayor of Killarney and current Chairperson of Killarney Tidy Towns.
Addressing attendees, Michael spoke on the unique gift artists possess in capturing and sharing the beauty of Kerry through their work, offering a thoughtful reflection on the inspiration behind the collection.
The well-attended launch drew a large crowd to view the artwork, meet the artists, and enjoy the surroundings of Killarney House. Tralee Art Group extended its thanks to the staff at Killarney House and Gardens for hosting the event.
‘Natural Kerry’ runs until August 27. Many of the featured artworks are available for purchase, with enquiries available online at www.traleeartgroup.ie.
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