Army personnel to hike through Athlone on 200k Dublin to Galway charity trek
Seven serving Irish Defence Forces' personnel this morning (Monday) set off on a gruelling hike from Dublin to Galway in order to raise much-needed funds for two Irish charities.
The troops are due to cover 216km over the course of four days, and will be passing through Mullingar, Moate, and Athlone along the way.
Their hike aims to raise awareness and funds for the veterans' charity O.N.E. and the Irish Cancer Society.
Donations can be made online, with members of the public encouraged to donate as participants make their way along the route. All monies raised will be divided evenly between the two charities.
The march commenced at 6am this morning from the back gate of McKee Barracks to Ashtown Gate on the Royal Canal in Dublin, with the team expected to arrive at Renmore Barracks in Galway on Thursday evening.
Over the four days, the group will follow a set route, travelling through Blanchardstown, Leixlip, Maynooth, Kilcock, Enfield, Mullingar, Mote, Athlone, and Athenry, before concluding in Galway.
Members and volunteers from the O.N.E. veterans’ charity are due to greet the participants en route at Dublin, Mullingar, Athlone, and Galway.
Primarily stationed in the greater Dublin region, the energetic participants in the charity challenge are: Coy Sgt Martin Moules, CQMS David Bates, CQMS Darren McCarthy, Sgt Jonathan Santamaria, CQMS Peter Scully, Cpl Fran Firzhenry, and Cpl Peter McCardle.
If all goes according to plan, the group will likely get to Moate/Athlone tomorrow (Tuesday) evening or Wednesday morning.
ONE (Óglaigh Náisiúnta Na hÉireann, the Organisation of National Ex-Service Personnel) is an Irish veterans' charity that was established to support ex-service personnel. The organisation offers housing, professional counselling, and support services to homeless and struggling veterans.
The Irish Cancer Society aims to transform the experiences and outcomes of people affected by cancer through advocacy, support services and research.
Speaking ahead of the event, Defence Forces Veteran and CEO of O.N.E., Cormac Kirwan, said: "We are absolutely delighted to have been chosen as one of this year’s charities. All in O.N.E. have a huge admiration and respect for the group to undertake such a challenge.
"We wish each and every one of them the greatest success and thank them for all their efforts. Without the continued support of all of our donors, we would not be able to fund our vital services for struggling veterans in need."