This weekend we marked the first anniversary of former Blackrock A.C. juvenile club member Samuel Roquette, who sadly left us on the 13 December 2019 after a relapse of leukaemia. Current and former members took part in a series of runs over the weekend to remember Samuel and raise funds.

This Sunday, 13th of December, 42 athletes from our 2008 team took part in a 42km marathon relay with the goal of remembering their teammate and friend Samuel.

Samuel was always enthusiastic, full of joy and today each child who took part in the run did so with a smile on their faces. Despite the lashing rain, they ran a lot more than a marathon, clocking up close to 70km in three hours.

Samuel’s older brother Antoine, an athlete with our juvenile club completed the last lap of the marathon for the team and the 2008 coaches did a lap to honour Samuel.

Blackrock A.C. was delighted to welcome Blood Bikes East to the park and most importantly they brought the “Samuel” bike with them. The only bike they have named after someone. They too wanted to honour this incredibly special boy.

Yesterday, Saturday, 12th December saw some 25 Fit4Life members make their return journey in small groups from Blackrock Park to Clontarf Baths as they completed a half-marathon in Samuel’s honour. This morning, 10 Fit4Life members ran 10km along the coast road. These were in addition to individuals throughout the club who ran the 10km and 21.1km distances on their own, when possible.

Blackrock A.C. would like to say a special thanks to Dave Moyna and Ciara O’Brien for all the organising, AIB for sponsoring the teeshirts and Musgraves for the sweet treats.

The donation page is still open and all funds raised will go towards a memorial bench for Samuel and Blood Bikes East.

May The Force Be With You.