Irish Defence Forces Veterans Paul Farrell is taking part in the 2026 Dublin City Half Marathon which takes place on May 3, featuring a 13.1-mile route starting on O'Connell Street. The theme this year is “Run together, thrive together” which is something this former Artillery Gunner has done all his military life and has been involved in sport, especially boxing.

Paul is using this Marathon as a fundraising awareness event to shine on the plight of his fellow comrades who have found themselves homeless and in need of certain services. ONE (Organisation of National Ex-Service Personnel) are the only group providing accommodation and professional services to Irish Veterans.

ONE supports the needs of Irish veterans by providing to homeless accommodation in its 4 Veterans’ Homes (Dublin, Letterkenny, Athlone & Cobh), & the provision of other assistance including mental health training & counselling service to veterans through its nationwide network of 31 Branches & 15 Veterans’ Support Centres.

“Homelessness and mental health challenges have now become part of our common language but in doing so, they may have unfortunately lost some of their true meaning. The blunt reality is that it is about being without shelter, or compassion, or care, or hope. The new facilities will directly enable ONE to provide homeless veterans with a safe, secure and supportive space, warm meals, camaraderie, care and hope, for as long as it is needed. Ninety percent of the veterans helped by ONE escape the cycle of homelessness and move on to permanent housing and this is a key motivation behind the work we do, a work that is summarised in four words: Support, Comradeship, Advocacy, & Remembrance”