First-ever Limerick Butterfly Run for Féileacáin is a wave of purple with more than 1,000 participants

First-ever Limerick Butterfly Run for Féileacáin is a wave of purple with more than 1,000 participants in Mungret Park. Karen Heffernan, Fiadh’s Mammy; Louise Canty, Noah’s Mammy; Aoife Fitzgerald, Aoibheann’s Mammy; Aisling Heffernan, Bonnie’s Mammy; Leanne O’Donnell, Padraig’s Mammy; Hattie Kearney, Finn’s Mammy; and Natasha Kelly, Peter’s Mammy.

The first-ever Butterfly Run at Mungret Park saw more than 1,000 people take part in what was a heartwarming milestone for Féileacáin

The first-ever Butterfly Run turned Mungret Park into a sea of purple, uniting the community in a powerful display of support and togetherness.

The day began with a double rainbow gracing the morning sky, representing the spirit of the crowd of more than 1,000 runners, walkers, and supporters who were unwavering by the occasional rain shower as they honoured the memory of babies gone too soon.

The Butterfly Run aimed to bring the community together while raising awareness and funds for Féileacáin, whose tremendous work helps families through the most difficult stages of loss. Participants dressed in shades of purple filled the park, showing their solidarity and support for this vital cause.

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Event organizers were thrilled with the overwhelming turnout, emphasising that the inaugural event exceeded all expectations, creating a day to remember for participants of all ages.

Aisling, mother of Bonnie, expressed her emotions, saying, “What an incredible day in Mungret Park celebrating all our beautiful babies. So many parents have reached out expressing how much the day meant to them. The goal was always to keep the babies at the forefront, and that’s exactly what happened.

“The park was well and truly painted purple with a phenomenal crowd gathered. The sun broke through the clouds when the race began, and it was a sign that those who left us too soon were shining upon us. Walking around seeing everyone with a smile on their face celebrating was truly a heartwarming experience.”

Leanne, mother of Pádraig, added, “Seeing all the little butterflies with our babies’ names on them was a bittersweet reminder that each butterfly represented a life that could not stay but also a beautiful symbol of how loved all our little babies are.”

Louise, mother of Noah, shared her gratitude for the day, “I’m still in absolute awe of how yesterday went; it was amazing from start to finish. Seeing all the names of the babies on the t-shirts was so heartwarming—it made me so emotional to know how loved each of those angel babies are. A truly extraordinary day, and I couldn’t be happier to have been part of organising it alongside the most wonderful group of mammies.”

Karen, mother of Fiadh, reflected on the community’s support, “The Butterfly Run was truly an amazing event filled with joy, laughter, and love. So many people came to celebrate and honour their precious babies and to support the Féileacáin charity. The huge turnout highlighted just how many people are impacted by perinatal and infant loss.

“It was very emotional to see the sun shining down on everyone wearing their purple Féileacáin t-shirts with their babies’ names written on the back. Celebrating our daughter Fiadh with her sister, our families, and a community of bereaved parents was so empowering, comforting, and meant so much to me as her mammy.”

The success of the first Butterfly Run has already sparked excitement for future events. What began as a gathering to honour the memories of loved ones has now become a highlight in Mungret Park, setting the stage for what promises to be an enduring tradition in the years to come.