Plans to remember Declan Hayes

The morning of October 26, 2010 will be forever etched in the memories of the family and friends of Declan Hayes from Doonmore, Doonbeg. That was the morning family and community man Declan was killed in a motorbike accident on his way to work at the GAA sports academy at Caherlohan, near Tulla.
Almost a year on from that tragic event, the fledging West Clare Walking Club plans to perpetuate Declan’s memory by holding a 10km walk and run and a half marathon in The Long Village on Saturday, September 10.
Plans are at an advanced stage for the inaugural event, which will draw people from all strands of community life in Doonbeg together, a microcosm of Declan’s life itself.  
A passionate sportsman, Declan dedicated his teenage years to athletics. While he accumulated many provincial and All-Ireland cross-country titles during that time, the high point was when he was selected to wear the green singlet of Ireland at a European meet in Brussels. However, Gaelic football was his true sporting passion. Geraldine League success in 1986 was a precursor to a success-laden career with the Magpies. A year later, he was a member of the senior side defeated in the county final but Declan picked up the first of four senior championship medals in 1988 with others following in 1991, 1995 and 1996. He also represented Clare at junior and senior level. 
In the off season, Declan enjoyed nothing more than playing junior soccer with the now defunct Doughmore Rovers, rugby with Kilrush with whom he won a Webb Cup medal and hurling with the now disbanded Kilkee-Bealaha club, with whom he won a junior league medal in 1985. 
An accomplished actor, Declan also treaded the boards for 30 years with the Doonbeg Amateur Drama Group, winning many awards and travelling all over the country on the drama circuit. His performances in Sive, The Field, The Playboy of the Western World and Airy Castles are the stuff of legend.
His final stage performance was in March 2010 when cast in the role as Maurice in the group’s production of Big Maggie. He had a dual role that year in that he also doubled up as stage manager. 
The September 10 walk takes in a loop, which is also a key segment of the half marathon, with the starting point and finishing line in Doonbeg village. Walkers will head out towards Doonmore, Baltard, Killard and back to the village, while the runners will continue on to Mount Rivers, Caherfennick, the golf club and return to Doonbeg via Carrowmore. Full details are posted on www.westclare-walkingclub.com.
Registration can be made through www.runireland.com; Claire Greene on 086 2620688 or doonbeghalfmarathon@gmail.com All proceeds from the September 10 event will be donated to Clare Autism, Suicide Awareness and The National Rehabilitation Hospital in Dún Laoghaire.