COMEDIAN and TV
presenter Neil Delamere hitched a cheeky lift home last week in a wheelbarrow
from Fr Peter McVerry to help launch the Jesuit priest’s new Grand Canal Way
Challenge for his homeless charity.
The challenge,
called The Long Walk Home, is for participants to walk across Ireland from
Shannon Harbour to Dublin over the May Bank Holiday Weekend (May 4-7).
The walk will
take four days and it’s expected to cover around 32 kms every day.
On Friday May 4
the walkers will be transported by coach from Dublin to Shannon Harbour where
they set off on their epic journey along the banks of the Grand Canal.
The first night
will be spent in Tullamore staying in the 4* Bridge House Hotel where
participants will enjoy a three course dinner with their fellow walkers and
have a chance to relax in the hotel’s leisure facilities.
Next day they
head to Edenderry, taking in the beautiful scenery en route, including the Bog
of Allen.
For the next two
nights the group will earn a well deserved
overnight stay in the Westgrove Hotel, Clane – a spa haven.
The third day
covers Edenderry to Sallins and on the final day the group set off from Sallins
for the last leg into Dublin, where they will be joined by one day walkers and
family groups.
After stopping
in Hazelhatch for lunch they will then tackle the final stage into Dublin.
The group’s
final destination is Guinness’s, whose historic connection with the Grand Canal
makes it the perfect venue for walkers to celebrate their achievements.
The hardy troop
will be welcomed into the Guinness Storehouse Gravity Bar were they will enjoy
fantastic views across Dublin, looking out across the route they have
travelled, and celebrate a great achievement in aid of Ireland’s young homeless
people.
“What better
way to spend your May Bank holiday?
? said comedian Delamere, a native of
Edenderry.
“It has
something for everyone – taking in the varied scenery, wildlife and historic
sites while enjoying the peace and quiet of the countryside.
“Getting away
from the hustle and bustle of your daily lives, this walk will soothe your
soul, refresh your energies and put a spring back in your step.
“What better
way to get fit, make new friends and explore unseen Leinster, all while raising
much needed funds for Peter McVerry Trust’s work with young homeless people.
?
Participants
will be asked to pay a non-refundable deposit of
?¬250 and to fundraise a
further
?¬700. Transport, accommodation and meal costs are included in the cost.
Details on
registration are available from Peter McVerry Trust on 01-8230776,
fundraising@pmvtrust.ie or www.pmvtrust.ie.