Tony Merrigan is taking on an extraordinary fundraising challenge this summer, walking from Donegal Town to Kinsale, Co. Cork, in support of MS Ireland.
Tony will begin his walk from Donegal Town on 13 July and is due to arrive in Kinsale on 1 August, covering more than 450 kilometres across the country.
His route will bring him through towns and communities including Ballyshannon, Grange, Sligo, Coolaney, Curry, Kilkelly, Claremorris, Tuam, Claregalway, Limerick, Charleville, Mallow, Blarney and Innishannon before finishing in Kinsale.
Speaking ahead of the walk, Tony said he is excited about the challenge, while also recognising the scale of what lies ahead.
“I intend to walk from Donegal Town to Kinsale in July — 450 plus kilometres,” Tony said.
Tony, who turned 70 last year, is currently living in Nerja in Spain, about 40 minutes east of Malaga.
He has already begun training for the challenge, making use of the mountains and walking routes near his home.
“I have great opportunities to get fit between now and then. We have mountains and lots of walks right there available to me.
“In fact, I have started walking now,” he said.
The cause is deeply personal for Tony.
His daughter Laura was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis at the age of 27. She is now 46 and living a full life, but still experiences the ongoing impact of MS.
“My daughter Laura, unfortunately, at 27, she was diagnosed with MS,” Tony said.
“She has a full life now. She’s 46. She’s had a child since.”
He added: “She lives a full life, but she gets tired and she has her moments.”
Tony said he has wanted to do something in support of MS Ireland for some time.
“It’s been something that’s been on my mind to do for this particular cause because of that situation,” he said.
The walk will be a major endurance challenge, with Tony walking for 19 days, with one rest day in Limerick.
He said the hardest part will not be any single day, but getting up each morning and continuing.
“It doesn’t sound much, 25 kilometres per day, but the hardest part is doing it every day and getting up again the following morning to do it again,” Tony said. “But I will do it.”
Tony is no stranger to long-distance walking. He previously walked from France to Santiago de Compostela, a journey of more than 800 kilometres, and spent 32 days walking every day.
“It was a fantastic experience,” Tony said. “I thoroughly enjoyed it. I got a lot out of it. I got a lot of peace out of it.”
Reflecting on the upcoming Donegal to Kinsale walk, Tony described it as his own Irish version of the Camino and said it may be his final major adventure.
“I want to do this walk. It’s probably my last adventure given my age, so I’m quite happy to do this particular walk as my last big adventure,” he said.
Tony would welcome support from people along the route and said anyone who hears about the challenge is welcome to join him for part of the journey.
“Anyone indeed that hears about this is welcome to join me,” he said. “If you hear something on the radio, come and join me.”
He also encouraged people who see him on the road to show their support.
“Anybody that sees me on the road, beep the horn or indeed join me. They’re more than welcome. I would love that,” he said.
Tony is fundraising directly through MS Ireland’s Enthuse platform and said he is pleased that donations go straight to the organisation.
“I like the idea that I’m not dealing in cash, that the funds are totally transparent. The funds go directly to MS Ireland,” he said.
Multiple sclerosis is a chronic neurological condition that affects the central nervous system. More than 11,000 people live with MS in Ireland. MS Ireland is the only national organisation providing information, advocacy and direct support to people living with MS, their families and carers.
MS Ireland is encouraging people along Tony’s route to support him, share his fundraising page, and donate if they can.
To support Tony’s fundraiser, visit:
https://multiplesclerosisofireland.enthuse.com/pf/tony-merrigan