Crana College 5k returns after tragedy

By Eoghan O’Boyle

A HUGE part of the Buncrana community revolves around the town’s two secondary schools, Crana College and Scoil Mhuire.

As part of their efforts to reach out to the Buncrana community, Crana College runs a yearly 5k that’s open to all participants. The school’s running, jogging and walking event is always a fun evening of exercise and socialising with all members of the community.

Unfortunately this year’s instalment of the 5k, which was set to take place on Thursday, May 15, was postponed after the tragic deaths of Crana College student Matt Sibanda and School Mhuire student Emmanuel Familiola on May 10.

The tragedy’s impact reached beyond Buncrana and was felt across Inishowen and Derry, when hundreds of people attended a special service in the boys’ memory at St. Mary’s Oratory in Buncrana.

Four months on, the community is still reeling from the tragedy, however, Crana College have decided to continue on with their 5k which has been rescheduled for Thursday September 18 at 7pm, with entry being 10 euro for adults, 6 euro for children and 20 euro for a family.

There is collective excitement in the school for the return of the 5k and the community hopes it will serve as a way to remember the boys in years to come.