Community Corner

5K Run/Walk to Honor Seamus Byrne

Event to benefit Kings Park native and purple heart recipient killed in Smithtown.

An event to help benefit the family of the late Seamus Byrne will be held on Sunday.

 The Nesconset 5K Run/Walk and Health Fair is being held to honor the memory of local war hero and Kings Park native who was awarded the purple heart for his service in Afghanistan and was when he was struck by a car crossing Main Street in Smithtown earlier this year. Proceeds from the event will go to the Smithtown Children's Foundation which has been instrumental in helping Byrne's widow, Michelle and their two children Seamus, 10 and Ashley, 3.

Christine Fitzgerald is a founder of the Smithtown Children’s Foundation, one of the groups who are helping to run the event. She began the group four years ago to help families in the Smithtown area who are in need.

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“The money we raise helps to give the Byrne family some breathing room. We have helped pay their fixed expenses,” said Fitzgerald

This is the first time the organization is having the 5K but expects it to become an annual event. It is being held in partnership with the Nesconset Chamber of Commerce. Fitzgerald says she is expecting about 500 participants. A wellness event follows after the run.

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“It is a family day for all to enjoy,” said Fitzgerald.

The event begins at 8:30 a.m. at the Nesconset branch of the Smithtown Library.


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