Fundraisers achieve their challenging trek deadline

FOUR intrepid men who took part in a fundraising challenge over Christmas have raised more than €4,000 for a suicide prevention charity. 

Last month Northside People reported that Ronan Guerin (24) and Martin McDowell (29), both from Swords, along with Brian Gallogly (27) and Jamie Martin (25), from Longford and Dundalk respectively, were aiming to walk the Wicklow Way 127km mountain trek in 48 hours for Pieta House. 

They set out after midnight on Monday, December 28 from the small country village of Clonegal, County Carlow. At 9.17pm on Tuesday, December 29, Ronan, Martin and Brian passed the finish line at the entrance to Marlay Park in Rathfarnham as Storm Frank was hitting the east coast.  

Unfortunately Jamie picked up an injury 18 hours into the mammoth challenge and had to pull out of the event.    

The three men were in great spirits and overwhelmed to see the crowd there to support them.

The team completed their challenge in 45 hours and 17 minutes, almost three hours ahead of their deadline.

Ronan Guerin said the challenge was really tough towards the end.

“But hearing our friends and family were waiting in the stormy weather at the finish line really spurred us on,” he told Northside People.  

“When we could see everyone in the distance it gave me a sudden burst of energy and I felt like running up to meet them. 

“We have a few small injuries, luckily nothing major other than some blisters and tired feet. 

“Jamie (Martin) suffered the worst and had to pull out after about 18 hou-rs with a stressed fracture on his foot. 

“We took an unscheduled break then as the storm was making it impossible to carry on. 

“Myself, Martin and Brian got back out at 6am on Day 2 and carried on. It was brutal at some points but we had to stick with it.”

Ronan added: “We are really pleased with the timing we made considering the unscheduled break.”

The team, all members of the Irish Defence Forces, would like to thank all those involved and anyone who has donated to date. 

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