Support Deirdre Fell-O’Brien

I am an oncology nurse for the last 30 years and mom to 5 great kids. I started running when I was 38 and absolutely love it. I have run four NYC marathons and a few half marathons. I am so proud to run and represent the Aisling Center. My parents both came here from Ireland and I am very proud of my heritage. The Aisling Center is a vital part of the community. They provide wonderful programs for the seniors of the community. The center is a great resource for all of the community.

Support Lisa Egan

I am a 53 year old dedicated teacher from Yonkers with a passion for learning and community. Outside the classroom, I am an avid bowler and runner who loves spending time with her family. I’m thrilled to be participating in the 2026 United Airlines NYC Half in support of The Aisling Center, an organization that does incredible work for the community. I cherish my connection to Ireland through my mother in law, who hails from Belfast, and values the cultural ties that enrich her life.

Support Donal McGeown

Hi, my name is Donal McGeown, originally from Co. Armagh but living in New York for the past 18 years. I’m very excited to be representing the Aisling Center at the 2026 United Airlines NYC Half, as it is an incredible organization that has such a positive impact on so many lives in our community. From helping new arrivals find employment and accommodation, to organizing senior events and dinners, The Aisling Center goes above and beyond for anyone who needs help. I got into running in earnest during the covid lockdown, having previously ran in a few 5K’s, but slowly stepped it up over the years and completed my first Half in 2024, then running in the Brooklyn Marathon this past year. I am now proud to be running to help raise the profile of The Aisling Center and raise funding for their future.

Support Bernadette Flanagan

My name is Bernadette Flanagan and I’m 34 years old. I’m originally from Pearl River, NY and I now live in Astoria, Queens with my pup, Georgie. I work in Corporate Communications and DEI at Penguin Random House. I love going for long walks in my neighborhood, hiking, seeing movies, thrifting, sewing, and learning new things. My grandparents are from Co. Clare and Co. Tyrone and my parents both play Irish music (+ my mom teaches the fiddle) and have passed it down to my siblings and me 🙂 I’m active in the NYC music community and grew up dancing, too. I’m running for The Aisling Irish Community Center because I believe in all of the amazing work they do to improve the lives of their local seniors, families, and kids. They are also dedicated to providing mental health services which is more important now than ever before. I’m so excited and honored to be part of the AICC team!

Support Gráinne Lavery

My name is Gráinne Lavery, and I was born and raised in Woodlawn. Both of my parents are from Ireland, and I’ve grown up with a strong connection to my Irish roots. I love my community and all of the support it comes with. I am truly appreciative of The Aisling Center for everything they do for our community, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to take part in the 2026 United Airlines NYC Half. Thank you so much for your support. Every donation, no matter the size, helps The Aisling Center continue their incredible work and make a real difference in people’s lives. I’m deeply grateful for your generosity and encouragement.

Support Ailish Luby

My name is Ailish, I’m 24, and I’m born and raised in Yonkers, with family roots in County Clare, Ireland. I’m so excited to be running the 2026 United Airlines NYC Half in support of The Aisling Irish Community Center! I fell in love with running in high school – what started as an after-school activity quickly became something I’ve carried with me through every stage of life. The Aisling Center has been a special part of my life, from art classes during childhood to job opportunities through adulthood. It’s also been a meaningful source of support for my family, which makes this experience even more personal. Growing up with a strong Irish heritage and a deep sense of community has shaped who I am today, which is why being able to combine my love of running with giving back to an organization that has done so much for my family and community is incredibly meaningful to me.

Support Saoirse Holland

I am originally from Woodlawn and both my parents are Irish, from Cork and Kerry. I lived here until I was 7, when my family and I moved home to Kerry. Once I finished my Masters in Biochemistry about 3 years ago, I made the move back to Woodlawn where I am now working in Long Island as a Research Scientist. This will be my first half marathon but I am delighted to be running for The Aisling Center! They do so much for the community and I am happy to be able to give back in my own way! I remember doing Irish language classes on a Saturday when I was younger to learn a cúpla focail, and since coming back to NY, The Aisling Center has been a huge support to feel more at home here in New York.

Support Barry Davis

My name is Barry Davis, I’m 25 years old, and I’m from Laragh in Co. Cavan, Ireland. I came to New York in 2024 after I finished my studies in University College Dublin, having been here before for the summer months in 2022 and 2023. I’ve been living in Yonkers, NY for over a year now, and my occupation is a Steel Fabrication Shop Manager. My hobbies are Gaelic football , and the club I play for is Cavan NY. My other main hobbies are playing golf and watching all sorts of sporting events. Recently I’m trying to get into running during the football off-season, and training for this race was a good goal to work towards for the next few months. I’m happy to be running for The Aisling Center as it’s for a great cause.. they offer great help to many people in need, and offer support to many Irish people like myself living in New York.

Support Aravon McCann

Hi, my name is Aravon McCann. I am from Fermanagh in Northern Ireland. I was not to pass on raising funds for The Aisling Center as my oldest daughter is called Aisling. I am 58 years old and started running just over 10 years ago. Addicted ever since. I have completed the majors twice over and I have been all over the world, using running as an excuse. I have 3 daughters and I am now an Abuela with two beautiful grandkids. My grandson was actually born the day before I was to run the TCS New York City Marathon. So, one day my dream is to run it with him. I have my own business, K9Kennels, and I also groom. I do some social media, you can check me out on TikTok: @aravonmccann. Thank you to The Aisling Center for giving me the opportunity to do the 2026 United Airlines NYC Half and thank you to everyone for their support.

Support Ava Carroll

Hi, my name is Ava Carroll and I am 17 years old. I am from Yonkers, New York, and currently a senior at Maria Regina High School preparing to study Nursing in college. Some hobbies of mine include running, hanging out with friends, traveling, working out, and trying new things!

I am very excited for the opportunity to run the 2026 United Airlines NYC Half as last year, this was my first half marathon I have ran. Both of my parents immigrated from Ireland at a young age with my mom from Belfast and my dad from Cork.

I was fortunate enough to run for the Aisling Center in the Brooklyn Half Marathon last May and it was an unforgettable experience. Seeing the support that comes from within the Aisling Center and community only makes me more eager to compete my best in this race. Running for the Aisling Center is an amazing opportunity for me to raise money for a cause and support my community through what I love doing most, running!