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Melanie McKnight to support St Mary’s NS Junior ASD class with Regeneron Great Limerick Run

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3 months ago

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Melanie McKnight is raising funds for St Mary’s NS Junior ASD class through the Regeneron Great Limerick Run in support of her niece Clodagh

Limerick woman Melanie McKnight hopes to raise funds for St Mary’s NS Junior ASD class in support of her niece through the 2026 Regeneron Great Limerick Run

Limerick woman Melanie McKnight hopes to raise funds for St Mary's NS Junior ASD class in support of her niece through the 2026 Regeneron Great Limerick Run
Melanie has pledged to run the half-marathon this May to support her niece, Clodagh, and her classmates at st Mary’s NS

A Limerick woman is taking on this year’s Regeneron Great Limerick Run Half Marathon in support of her niece, Clodagh, by raising funds for the St Mary’s National School Junior ASD class.

Melanie has pledged to run the half-marathon this May to support her niece and classmates, as she has set an initial goal of €2,000 to support the class.

Speaking about her motivation, Melanie says, “If you’ve been lucky to meet any of my family, lucky you. We’re loud, bold and full of character.


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“And that perfectly sums up Clodagh. Niece, daughter, grand-daughter and downright messer. She is known for her big heart, infectious laugh and brilliant sense of humour. She reminds me every day to live life the way you want to, not how the world tells you to. And that any problem can be fixed with a little laughter and a hug.”

Clodagh attends the school’s Junior ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) class, where pupils receive highly specialised support outside of a mainstream classroom setting.

Melanie, a St Mary’s alumnus, said it is incredible to see the positive impact the school has had on pupils and the local community.

She said, “The staff in her class, and wider school community, do a trojan amount of work in creating a safe, supportive space where kids can learn, grow, truly be themselves and make gorgeous friendships. In an ASD class, this work is highly specialised, with the kids receiving support outside a mainstream classroom.

“ASD classes are hugely beneficial for kids with autism – particularly in helping to develop their social, communication and self-regulation skills, which kids carry with them for life.”

Funds raised will go towards sensory equipment, calming spaces, specialist learning resources, therapeutic supports and inclusion activities, all of which will directly benefit the children on a daily basis.

Melanie said on her GoFundMe page, “This May, I will run the Regeneron Great Limerick Run Half Marathon to raise funds for Clodagh, her classmates and the brilliant staff of the ASD Junior class in St Mary’s National School. The world needs all kinds of minds & we must love and empower them.”

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