On a picture-perfect spring morning, Australia once again came alive for the 2025 Ireland Funds Global 5K, with seas of green sweeping through Brisbane, Melbourne, and Sydney. More than 200 runners, walkers, families – and even a few four-legged companions – laced up for a day that blended fitness, fun and philanthropy.
The celebrations began in Sydney with a lively warm-up featuring an Irish jig led by Young Leader Committee member Shannen O’Hara, setting the tone for a morning full of energy and community spirit. Brisbane kicked off at 7:30am, passed the baton to Melbourne at 8:00am, before Sydney charged off the start line at 8:30am.
Race Highlights
Sydney’s course saw some impressive performances:
- Michael Read claimed the fastest male time with a blistering 17:00.
- Lucy Kidd led the women, finishing strong in 21:24.
- Taigh Fallon dominated the U16s, crossing the line in 24:44.
Melbourne’s fastest male was Senan Freyne and Hannah Moran as fastest female, with Philip Prenter fastest overall in Brisbane.
In a moment of heartfelt recognition, Nessa Griffin was awarded the Andrea (Penny) McElhinney Perpetual Trophy, honouring the late and much-loved former Chair of the Ireland Funds Australia Sydney Young Leaders.
Community, Sponsors & Celebration
The run wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible support of our sponsors – The Lansdowne Club, Glen Dimplex, KPMG, FINEOS, Travel Playground, Aesthetics by Eimear, MCD Project Services, The Village Inn, CIC, MCG Civil, The Green Room, Troubadour, Frank Mac’s, The Doss House, Rusty’s Bar Coogee, Buck Mulligans, Coogee Diggers, Taste of Ireland, The Irish Butchers, True Protein. Their generosity helped create an unforgettable day for all.
Post-race, runners and spectators tucked into a well-earned barbecue featuring Irish sausages (thanks to The Irish Butcher) alongside nostalgic treats from Taste of Ireland – because nothing says “home” like a Rock Shandy and a packet of Tayto!
Making a Difference
Sydney Young Leader Chairs Máirtín O’Rabhartaigh and Eva Mahon closed the event by thanking the community and highlighting over $22,000 in profit raised going to this year’s chosen charities:
- Cape York Girl Academy
- Together Academy
- Irish support agencies in NSW, Victoria and Queensland
Thank You
A huge thank you to our committee members in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, sponsors, volunteers and every participant who ran, walked or cheered on the day. Your support keeps the spirit of the Global 5K alive – and ensures that together, we continue to create lasting impact.
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