A Donegal man’s epic journey around Ireland is almost at the halfway mark.
Paddy Conaghan, aged 81, is ducking and diving his way around the chilly waters of Ireland to raise money for Gemma’s Legacy of Hope.
This week, he’s a long way from home at Clonakilty, Co. Cork, but he’s making lots of friends along the way.
Pius Lyons welcomes Paddy to Ring pier near Clonakilty, Co. Cork. Photo: Gearóid Holland
Paddy set off on his challenge at the start of December, taking the first plunge at Athport beach on Arranmore. He’s braving the elements for a hugely important local cause (click here to donate). Gemma’s Legacy of Hope, set up in honour of Burtonport woman Gemma Boyle, is a local counselling service that helps children from the age of 5, young adults and adults across the life course in the Rosses.
Photo: Gearóid Holland
While at Ring Pier, a man (pictured above) called Frank O Donnell from Leffin Dungloe along with his daughter Maeve went to meet Paddy. Frank now works for a Dunmanway company, Cahalane Bros., builders. They got talking & turned out that Paddy worked with his father Colm & Colm actually helped Paddy blast the site for his house in 1976.
Paddy, a former “tunnel tiger” and fisherman, had trained for a year before setting off on his journey. He deliberately chose to begin in December so it would be most difficult. His message is travelling nationwide too, and he has recieved an outpouring of generosity at his stops, with kind locals offering cosy beds and warm drinks. If you would like to find out Paddy’s schedule and how to support him, visit the Facebook page: Ducking & Driving around Ireland for Gemma’s Legacy of Hope
To support Paddy, please visit his GoFundMe fundraising page: https://gofund.me/c7b4e360
