Welcome to the 6th Annual Rockland GAA Memorial 5K, held in memory of our club members who have passed away.
Our inaugural event was held in memory of long-time club member Noel O’Connell. This year, we run in honor of all deceased members of Rockland GAA, most especially, we would like to remember Brian Fennell and Padraig Gargan.
To guarantee your T-Shirt, you must register by March 15th - NO EXCEPTIONS! We will order extra, but we can not guarantee your size after the cut-off date.
The Rockland GAA will host a FUN RUN for children 12 years old and younger. This will be a free event and will be held after the 5K. Please note - if you're only participating in the FUN RUN, you will not receive a t-shirt unless you also register for a t-shirt.
Sponsorship opportunities are available. If interested, please contact the race director through this form.
Brian Fennell
Born on December 2, 1977, in Mt. Vernon, New York, Brian Fennell brought warmth, laughter, and connection to everyone he met. He grew up in Pearl River, New York, later settling with his family in Westwood, New Jersey.
Brian was the beloved son of Tommy and Eileen Fennell, a devoted brother to Tara Borucinski (John), Thomas Fennell (Erin), and Brendan Fennell (Megan), and a proud uncle to six nephews and eight nieces, each of whom held a special place in his heart. He was a loving husband to Katrina and a devoted father to Caroline Cecilia and Reyer Patrick. His family was his world.
Brian built a successful career in construction management, beginning at age 18 and rising to Senior Project Manager on multi-million-dollar projects. An avid sports fan, he cheered faithfully for the New York Knicks and Jets and was also an accomplished NY All-State runner, longtime Rockland GAA footballer, and passionate coach.
Known for his quick wit, legendary prank calls, and easy conversation, Brian had a gift for making people feel seen and valued. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
As Brian often said, “Do not mourn me in my death, but celebrate my life.” So, on Saturday, March 28th, at the 6th Annual Rockland GAA Memorial 5K, let's do what Brian asked - let's celebrate his life.
Padraig Gargan
Padraig Gargan was born on December 7, 1991, in Bronxville, New York, to Patrick “Francie” Gargan and Ann Margaret “Mags” Gargan. He was raised on Voss Avenue in Yonkers before moving to Pearl River in 2003.
A 2009 graduate of Pearl River High School, Padraig served as captain of the school’s inaugural Men’s Varsity Lacrosse Team. He went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the New York Institute of Technology.
Padraig was the owner of Slane Mechanical in New York and was known for his ambition, strong work ethic, and willingness to help others. An enthusiastic golfer, he proudly recorded a hole-in-one at West Point Golf Course. He was also deeply proud of his Irish heritage and was a player and member of the Rockland GAA.
He is lovingly remembered by his Nanna Peggy, his parents Francie and Ann Margaret, his brothers Darren and Mark, and his many aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Padraig will be remembered for his bright smile, warm embrace, devotion to family, and unwavering loyalty to his friends. And as we run the Rockland GAA Memorial 5k, let’s keep those remembrances with us.