"I want to thank the Jerry Kiernan Foundation for the help it has given me in recent years. Before the Foundation assisted me financially, I was delivering food in order to make a living. This meant it was very difficult for me to train properly. It was also dangerous work. Once, I fell off my bike while delivering food and badly injured my knee. As a result I was unable to train for two months.

After the Foundation started to help me, I no longer had to deliver food to make a living and I was able to train consistently. As a result, I went on to finish 6th in the European Championship 10,000m and later that year, I finished 5th in the European Under 23 Cross Country Championships and led the Irish team to a Bronze medal. The help I received from the Foundation was a major factor in my being able to compete at this level. I think the Foundation is doing marvellous work in helping young athletes achieve their potential and I will always be grateful to them." 

Efrem Gidey - Foundation funding recipient

“Athletics and education were Dad's greatest passions - generations of Irish athletes and children benefited from his freely-given expertise and love of running. With the establishment of the Jerry Kiernan Foundation, an initiative of his best friend, Murt Coleman, Dad's life's work of nurturing and inspiring future generations of athletes can continue.”

Patrick Kiernan

“Athletics ran through the veins of Jerry! For many years he poured his time into the grassroots, all the way up to the elite of the sport. He encouraged, motivated and inspired all levels of talent. It’s only right that the passion and true gra Jerry had for the sport he loved is harnessed and continued. This foundation is a fantastic continuation of Jerry’s legacy, helping others to chase and realise their dreams. Athletics is a tough individual sport with many a lonely road to run. A helping hand along the way can make all the difference.”

David Gillick, Olympian and former Irish international athlete.