17 August 2026
By Tom Collins
tom@TheCork.ie
A record-breaking fireman is urging the people of Cork to dig out their running or walking gear for Ireland’s first ever Tower Run in aid of Cork University Hospital.
Sub-officer Niall Ó Crualaoich, 51, is no stranger to endurance events – once holding the Guinness World Record time for running a full marathon in firefighting gear.
Now he is asking the public to join him in a unique event – a race to the top of Cork County Hall on August 30.
Cork city firefighters, Niall Ó Crualaoich, right, with colleague Caomh McAuley, are asking the public to join them in a unique event – a race to the top of Cork County Hall on August 30, to raise funds for Cork University Hospital. People can register at: https://entry.raskis.ie/r/76f51f34101b or donate to: www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/corktowerrun Picture: Brian Lougheed.
“As far as we know, this is the first fundraiser of its kind in Ireland, north or south.
“We don’t have huge buildings in this country and we are a couple of years behind England and Europe when it comes to obstacle course races.
“The plan is to get 100 people signed up, any more, we lose the personal nature of it, too few and you don’t have the atmosphere.
“It’s going to tax people, especially if you want to run it, but it’s still achievable for everyone.”
Participants can run or walk up the famous 67m structure, totalling 17 storeys (334 steps), and get a breather by taking the lift back down.
“Most people will be running in glad rags, I do expect one or two in fancy dress, I already have two people threatening to run it in a full fire kit!
“There are a couple of firefighters involved; it’s kind of typical of the type of training we would do anyway.”
People can sign up at https://entry.raskis.ie/r/
All funds will go directly to CUH Charity to fund the vital work taking place within the hospital.
Speaking of his motivation to organise the event, Blackpool man Niall said: “Everyone has had some interaction with CUH, there’s so much centred there.
“This is part of a multi-year plan, it will go on. There is so much to do for CUH Charity and this is hopefully going to do a lot of good over the next few years.
“Every little bit helps. Hopefully, it makes life a little easier for people who need it at CUH.”
Father-of-three Niall will be the last one to take on the steps, dressed, as he was in his successful World Record bid in 2010, in full fire outfit.
He has received help from fellow fireman Caomh McAuley and their other colleagues. Register to take part (€25 fee) at https://entry.raskis.ie/r/