26/07/2026
Community spirit shines as Naas Fitathon raises €15,088 for ARC Cancer Support Centres
The community spirit of Naas was on full display on Saturday, 25th July, as hundreds of people came together in Poplar Square for the 12-Hour Fitathon, organised by Michael Mulcahy of Mick Mulcahy Fitness and his wife Maeve Aldridge, in aid of ARC Cancer Support Centres.
Held in loving memory of their dear friend Gwendolyn Marks, who sadly passed away last September following a courageous battle with cancer, the event proved to be an overwhelming success from start to finish.
From 9.00am until 9.00pm, Poplar Square was transformed into a vibrant hub of fitness, music and community spirit. Music pumped throughout the square as volunteers, supporters and participants gathered to enjoy an action-packed programme of circuit training, kettlebell workouts, Zumba, FitSteps and much more. Families enjoyed face painting, balloon twisting, live entertainment and a memorable performance by the Newbridge Gospel Choir, creating a wonderful atmosphere for people of all ages.
Qualified physical therapists Marie Cluxton and Leo Cullen were on hand throughout the day, generously providing physiotherapy support to participants to help keep everyone moving safely during the marathon event. Young visitors were kept entertained by the talented teams from Super Smiley Parties and Fab Faces by Mel, whose colourful face painting creations added to the fantastic family-friendly atmosphere.
Volunteers could be seen throughout the town with donation buckets, while local businesses, community groups and countless supporters rallied behind the fundraiser with sponsorship, raffle prizes and donations. The generosity shown by everyone involved was truly remarkable.
By the end of the event, an incredible €15,088 had been raised for ARC Cancer Support Centres, with the online fundraising page remaining open until Saturday, giving those who couldn't attend the opportunity to continue supporting this worthy cause.
The event was a fitting tribute to Gwendolyn's memory and highlighted the incredible strength, kindness and generosity that exists within the Naas community.
Special thanks were extended to Cllr Evie Sammon, Superintendent Barry Mills, Superintendent Paul Mayock, Sgt Seamus Muldowney, the team at Naas Garda Station, and Yasir Khan of Kildare County Council for their continued support, guidance and encouragement in helping to make the event possible.
Michael and Maeve would also like to acknowledge the generous support of event sponsors Hire Station Edenderry, Healy Tyres, and Saggart Tyre Centre, whose backing helped make the day such a success. They also expressed their sincere gratitude to the many volunteers, sponsors, local businesses and everyone who donated their time, raffle prizes and practical support. The generosity shown throughout the community ensured the event was not only a fantastic day out but also a hugely successful fundraiser for ARC Cancer Support Centres.
A huge congratulations goes to Michael Mulcahy and Maeve Aldridge, whose vision, dedication and months of hard work brought the entire community together for such a special occasion. Their commitment to honouring Gwendolyn's memory while raising vital funds for those affected by cancer created what will undoubtedly be remembered as one of Naas' standout community events of the summer.
There is still time to donate, with the fundraising page remaining open until Saturday. Every donation, no matter how big or small, will help ARC Cancer Support Centres continue providing invaluable services to individuals and families affected by cancer.
Donate here: https://www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/fitathonforarccancercare
PHOTOS - AISHLING CONWAY
