Intrepid lads set for Christmas hike

WHEN you’re at home with your feet up over the festive period, spare a thought for this group of young men who will be undertaking a major challenge to raise funds for Pieta House.

Ronan Guerin (24) and Martin McDowell (29), both from Swords, along with Brian Gallogly (27) and Jamie Martin (25), from Longford and Dundalk respectively, will be aiming to walk the Wicklow Way 127km mountain trek in a 48-hour timeframe. 

All four walkers are members of the Irish Defence Forces and have been training hard in recent months for their hike.

They will set out after midnight on Monday, December 28 from the small country village of Clonegal, County Carlow. 

They will continue on course through the rolling hills of County Wicklow and en-route across the Wicklow and Dublin highlands to hopefully complete their trek in less than 48 hours before midnight on Tuesday, December 29, finishing at Marlay Park in Rathfarnham.

The lads have set themselves a gruelling task within a very short space of time, and are prepared to face the elements of a typical Irish winter to achieve their aim.

Speaking on behalf of the intrepid quartet, Ann Desmond said: “As we are all too aware these days, suicide has become an increasing issue within Irish society.  “Our walkers want to bring awareness of help that is available to those in dark places, particularly at Christmas time, for both those struggling and also those who have been left behind or have lost loved ones to suicide. 

“Their mission is to bring awareness of the help that is available through organisations like Pieta House.”

If you would like to make a donation to the lads’ challenge, visit www.mycharity.ie/event/127k_wicklow_way_for_suicide

Any donation, no matter how small will be gratefully accepted. 

For more information on the event, visit www.facebook.com/127kwicklowway