600 Runners Gather at the GAA for Memorial 5k

On a sunny afternoon on March 28th, more than 640 runners, walkers, and supporters gathered at the sixth annual Rockland Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) Memorial 5k. This year, the event honored Brian Fennell and Padraig Gargan, two men who left a lasting impact on their community.

Brian Fennell, who passed away one year ago at the age of 47, grew up in Pearl River and later settled down in Westwood, NJ. Known for his quick wit, legendary prank calls and easy conversation, Brian had a gift for making people feel valued and seen. Fennell’s brother commenced the run, sounding the air horn as the runners gathered at the starting line. 

Padraig Gargan, the second individual who was honored at the memorial run, passed in 2024 at only 33 years old. Gargan also grew up in Pearl River and is remembered for his bright smile, warm embrace, devotion to family, and an unwavering loyalty to friends. 

“They made a big impact, and people wanted to come out and support them in their memory,” said Carmel Reilly, the race director and “race cheerleader,” who is the heart of the event’s existence and endurance.

Last year, there were 377 runners, and the team still managed to raise just under $10,000 for the scholarship fund. This year, they raised around $15,000 to support local high school seniors’ college funds. Reilly hopes to continue to expand the event to increase those contributions, and has goals to reach around half the size of the annual Turkey Trot, a Rockland event that brings in over 3,000 runners every Thanksgiving morning. 

An accomplished runner herself, Reilly has completed 14 marathons in the last 15 years, running her first at the age of 45. She has become deeply passionate about the running community, sharing, “Runners are amazing. Whether you’re fast or slow, they’re there to support everybody. They’ll be there to cheer on the last runner.”

During the course of our interview, Reilly embodied the spirit of the day, cheering on every single runner that went past us. Reilly was everywhere all at once and in the course of an hour was handing out waters, managing course complications, and greeted runners at the finish line.

This year was the first year the event incorporated live music at the conclusion of the race, featuring the Irish-American party band the Cousins Moran. The band played festive Irish music as racers and supporters alike soaked in the sun and rewarded themselves with some much deserved Guinness. 

The top male finishers were Ferdinand-Clovis Airault (16:15), Cody Schmeer (16:58), and Patrick Daly (17:05). On the women’s side, Meagan Jaskot led with a time of 18:56, followed by Erin Jaskot (19:14), and Meghan Chiapperino (19:59).

The race itself is 3.1 miles and takes place on the hilly GAA grounds. “It’s an honest course,”Reilly said. “We knew we had to finish going up that hill, so we worked backwards on the layout.” The final hill faces the field that countless Gaelic football athletes and fans have played on for generations.

The race originally began in 2020 in honor of Noel O’Connell, a beloved Gaelic football coach who passed away during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Due to the restrictions at the time, many were unable to properly gather and mourn his loss.

“We couldn’t have a wake,” said his wife, Eileen O’Connell. “People lined up at the church and we came here afterward. Carmel told me later that day, ‘That’s it, we have to do this 5k for Noel.’” Reilly and O’Connell frequently met up at marathons and races, so a 5k seemed like an appropriate host for the memorial.  

Local officials also showed their support. Assemblywoman Teresa Kenny completed the race in 28 minutes, while Senator Bill Weber attended as a sponsor. “It’s a great event and a great cause,” Weber said. 

Runners of all ages and abilities took part. David Fitzgerald, 60, finished in under 30 minutes despite a difficult winter for training. “It’s a good reminder to stay active,” he said, boasting about his impressive time.

Niall McKenna, Chairman of the Rockland GAA, spoke about what the annual run means to the organization. “The two people we are remembering today, this is all to honor them. The funds go towards scholarships for the club. It’s great, [and] it’s community based.”

The Rockland GAA, with roots dating back to 1872, continues to bring together members from across the region, with participants traveling from areas around New York like Woodlawn and Queens.

“Lots of people can say they’ll do something,” O’Connell said. “But Carmel is the one who made it happen… It’s amazing to see her hard work and how much [the event has] grown.”