Crescent students huge fundraiser

Crescent College Comprehensive SJ in Limerick, hosted its annual Transition Year Cook Medical Mini Marathon on Wednesday 1 October 2025. The students raised over €36,000 for of St. Gabriel’s Foundation, a charity that provides a range of specialist services for children with disabilities in the Midwest. Transition Year teacher Brian Cowhey said that the success of the event was, “A testament to the Jesuit values at the heart of Crescent College, compassion, service and commitment to the greater good. Our students demonstrated what it means to be ‘Men and Women for Others’, living out the Jesuit mission to use their talents and energy in service of others.” Read his full report of the event below.

‘Fitness, Fun, and Community Spirit’

The annual Transition Year Cook Medical Mini Marathon is a much-loved event that combines fitness, fun and a deep sense of community spirit. The marathon was run in aid of St. Gabriel’s Foundation, an organisation that provides essential services for children and young people with physical and intellectual disabilities across the Mid-West of Ireland.

St. Gabriel’s is not only a school for students aged 4–18 but also a vital hub for families in the region. The Foundation offers respite care, a hydrotherapy pool and an orthotics department, among other supports that have a profound impact on the lives of those they serve.

The partnership between Crescent College and St. Gabriel’s has grown stronger each year. On Tuesday, 16 September, all TY students visited St. Gabriel’s School as part of their preparation for the event. They toured the facilities, met some of the staff and students and heard from Kate Finucane, the Foundation’s Fundraising Manager.

This visit gave students a first-hand understanding of how their fundraising would make a tangible difference. Kate and her colleague Anne also joined us on the day of the Mini Marathon to celebrate
the occasion and to thank the students personally for their commitment and generosity.

In Physical Education classes in the weeks leading up to the event, students took part in an Athletics Ireland training programme designed to help them build fitness, stamina and confidence ahead of the Mini Marathon. This programme not only prepared them physically but also encouraged teamwork, perseverance and self-discipline, qualities at the heart of both sport and Jesuit education.

The journey began earlier in the term, when, on Thursday, 4th September, all Transition Year students gathered in the Central Area to register for the marathon. Each student received a personal fundraising link, which they shared with friends and family to collect donations. The response was overwhelming and the enthusiasm, generosity and effort of the students were truly inspiring.

By the time the marathon took place, the total had already reached €26,482 and after final donations
came in, the total amount raised rose to an incredible €34,668. The Mini Marathon day itself was full of energy, excitement and community spirit. The entire school came together to support the TYs, cheering them on as they completed the course. The atmosphere was uplifting and celebratory, reflecting the
best of what our school community stands for.

The success of this event is a testament to the Jesuit values at the heart of Crescent College, compassion, service and commitment to the greater good. Our students demonstrated what it means to be “Men and Women for Others”, living out the Jesuit mission to use their talents and energy in service of others. We are immensely proud of our Transition Year students for their hard work, generosity and sense of purpose. Their achievement in raising €34,668 for such a worthy cause is remarkable and stands as one of the highlights of the school year for TY’s.

Brian Cowhey,

Crescent College Comprehensive Limerick.

2 October 2025.