Four members of the Garda National Technical Bureau made a decision to accompany Hollywood star Colin Farrell as he participated in the Dublin Marathon on Sunday. Detective Officers Ian Redican, Barry Duggan, Ernie Frazer, and Detective Sergeant Tom Power, traded their standard uniforms for blue running gear to finish the marathon, also providing added security for Farrell.
These four colleagues were photographed alongside Farrell who was running the marathon as part of a fundraising initiative, managing to collect nearly €790,000 in support of Debra Ireland, an organisation that aids individuals suffering from a rare, painful skin condition known as Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB), or ‘Butterfly Skin’. Farrell also physically pushed his close friend Emma Fogarty in the final four kilometres of the race, representing each decade Fogarty had been living with the severe condition.
Inspector Liam White of the Dublin Traffic Division contacted Redican and asked if anyone from the Garda Athletic Club, who had already scheduled to participate in the marathon, would be keen to run with Farrell. Det Gda Redican recalled the conversation, sharing that it was a significant request for the runners, who had been rigorously preparing for the past six months, to abandon their individual marathon goals to contribute to another’s.
Redican, with 23 previous marathons in his record, wasn’t running for a personal best anymore and Duggan, Frazer and Power quickly got on board too. All members of the Garda, voluntarily and without pay, agreed to accompany and protect the popular actor from potential interactions with fans that could unintentionally result in a fall.
Det Gda Redican expressed that although people generally have good intentions, their enthusiasm for famed Irish celebrity Colin might have unintentionally led to undesired incidents. Redican reaffirmed their desire to keep Colin’s charity run unobstructed. Speaking of Colin, Redican described him as an authentic individual who acknowledged the support he received from bystanders along his route.
He also mentioned that Colin was quite taken aback by everything, often seeking advice with regard to his physical condition during the race. The seasoned runners in the group were familiar with the course and formed a protective circle around him, ensuring that he had a safe run.
Redican added that everyone who took part in the race, including Colin himself, received medals. The event unfolded smoothly and they’re happy they contributed to the cause of Debra Ireland. Like the rest of the participants, Colin was likely dealing with fatigue on the following Monday.