Former Mayo footballer to run half-marathon in memory of late son

A former Mayo GAA star is lacing up his runners for an emotional half-marathon this weekend, in memory of his late son.

Conor Diskin, who lined out for Mayo at minor, Under 20 and senior level, will take part in the Life Style Sports Fastlane Half-Marathon in Dublin this Sunday, May 18.

The Claremorris man is running in aid of LauraLynn on what would have been his son Cillian’s third birthday.

Cillian Rochford Diskin passed away unexpectedly in 2023 at just 10 months old. Since then, Conor has channelled his grief into purpose, raising over €14,000 for LauraLynn in his son's name via iDonate.

“Although Cillian isn't here to celebrate his third birthday, I want to do something positive in his memory,” Conor shared on his fundraising page.

“This is an amazing charity that provides palliative care for children with life-limiting conditions, making the most of short and precious lives.”

Describing Cillian as a child with “a cheeky smile and an authentic laugh,” Conor said his son “brought so much love and joy to those around him.”

“Losing my little best friend so unexpectedly has been a level of pain like no other,” he wrote. “But with the grief I’ve learned for what I once thought was a negative feeling, I now see it as a symbolism for the love I had for Cillian. I hope this grief always stays with me.”

The Fastlane half-marathon falls on the weekend of Cillian’s birthday, and Conor is calling on the public to help him mark the occasion by supporting LauraLynn’s vital work.

Anyone wishing to donate to the fundraiser can do so via this link to iDonate.

“Happy birthday, little man,” Conor wrote. “This one’s for you.”