STIG for CF Ireland 2008 – The New York City Marathon

We’re back and this time we’re going to the Big Apple. This year marks the third instalment of STIG for CF Ireland. The past two campaigns have seen the campaign raise €2,867.93 for the Cystic Fibrosis Association of Ireland. This year’s efforts are going to be bigger, way bigger.

Emmet Ryan will represent STIG, Ireland’s most successful football fanzine, in the 2008 New York City Marathon. The campaign is looking to raise more money this year than in the previous two campaigns combined.

“It’s a big challenge but we have a cunning plan,” says Ryan.

That cunning plan is the STIG for CF Ireland Prize Draw. A limited number of tickets, just 200, will be sold for the competition. The contest features prizes including a jersey signed by the Dublin Senior Football team, premium tickets to All-Ireland Football Quarter Finals, a stylish Motorola handset and many more.

Further information on the competition and how to buy tickets can be found here. None of this could be done without the help of our sponsors so STIG for CF Ireland wants to thank Cable & Wireless, Motorola, and Strencom for donating prizes and supporting the campaign.

“To see businesses like these come on board is a tremendous boost to our efforts. These firms are supporting a great campaign and a great cause by donating these prizes,” says Ryan.

Training for the race is already well under way. Having been forced to walk the last two marathons he entered due to injury, Ryan is determined to run around New York this November.

“I’m looking forward to dashing through the five boroughs. This will be no Sunday jog, this is the real deal,” says Ryan.

“The Cystic Fibrosis Association of Ireland does Trojan work and I’m delighted STIG can help them once again this year,” he says. “As STIG’s sole representative in the race I’m determined to put in a good performance.”

Emmet’s preparations are being aided by STIG for CF Ireland regular John Craddock. Having competed in several marathons to date, Craddock will act as training partner and coach for the 2008 campaign.

“Have you seen the state of him? I’ve a lot of work to do but no worries, I’ll get him in shape,” says Craddock.

You can follow Emmet’s training and John’s efforts to get him in shape for the race at their marathon blog

This year the blog will feature a series of video features on the campaign as well as guest posts from some of the most interesting and creative bloggers on the internet.

Donate

You can support the campaign by either donating directly or buying a ticket in our prize draw

All donations are welcome and you can do so by lodging into the STIG for CF Ireland account that we have set up in AIB. To donate simply email emmetryan@gmail.com and we’ll forward you on all the relevant information. Alternatively you can call Emmet on 087 6206767 to get the information required.

About STIG

STIG is a football fanzine founded in 2001 by a group of UCD fans. Initially starting out as a purely humour driven magazine the publication has in recent times investigated serious issues such as the third Genesis report and the distribution of grants to sporting organisations. STIG has produced more issues than any other in the history of Irish soccer having cleared the 70 issue mark in 2008.

About the athlete

Emmet Ryan is a freelance journalist from Dublin and regular works with titles such as the Irish Times, the Sunday Business Post and Business & Finance magazine. The New York City Marathon will be Emmet’s fourth marathon, having previously completed the Dublin City Marathon in 2000, 2006 and 2007.

John Craddock (left) and Emmet Ryan