If you spot two horseback cowboys on the road this week, you’re not seeing things!
John Doherty and Shane Barry embarked on the adventure of a lifetime today as they trek from Donegal to Dingle.
After a well-supported send-off at Ballyraine, they made their way up Main Street in the direction of Donegal Town.
They’re taking on the mighty challenge in memory of a beloved baby girl – Aria Rose – to raise funds for Ronald McDonald House and Cian’s Kennels.
Off they go!
‘Aria’s Adventures’ is in memory of Aria Rose Wilkie-Barry, who passed away peacefully in February, aged 16 months. She had spent almost her entire life in hospital, having been born prematurely with severe complex needs.
Aria Rose’s legacy continues to inspire her family and community to this day.
Her mum Tracey Wilkie is from Letterkenny and her dad Shane Barry is originally from Ballygawley.
They both share a love of horse riding, so when they were deciding on a way to give back to charity in memory of their baby girl, they chose trekking.
Shane enlisted John, their close family friend, to join the 450km challenge. John runs his own maintenance company in Letterkenny, Newlook Property Maintenance. He has been horseriding for two years now, and in recent weeks has been training non-stop for the challenge.
All funds raised from the trek will go to Ronald McDonald House, which provides accommodation for families with critically ill children, and Cian’s Kennels, which ensured the family’s dogs could be close while they attended Crumlin Hospital.
Family and friends gather for Shane and John’s send-off at Sweeney’s Ballyraine.
Cllr Donal ‘Mandy’ Kelly wishes Shane and John luck ahead of the Aria’s Adventures Donegal To Dingle Trek
Shane and John’s ride is expected to take between two and three weeks on country roads.
The care of the horses will be the priority throughout the journey. Organisers have arranged on-call vets and blacksmiths along the route.
John explained: “The horses’ wellbeing is the number one priority above all else we have been training these horses all year for the mileage so they are all fit as fiddles. We have secondary horses, if and when needed, and scheduled rest days to rest them up and us as well. We will be at walking pace most of the time so we won’t be pushing them on.
“With a commitment like this, we are of course excited and at the same time mindful of the huge task at hand. But all in all we are delighted to be in a position to raise money for such great charities.”
The goal for Aria’s Donegal to Dingle Trek has been set at €10,000, and any donation is greatly appreciated.
Donations can be made to https://www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/ariasadventures
See more photos from this afternoon here:
Shane Barry, Tracey Wilkie and John Doherty ahead of the Aria’s Adventures Donegal To Dingle Trek
Clara Ferry with Chloe Guiney on Casper and Micheál Guiney
Leon and Kate Sweeney supporting Cian’s Kennels
Cllr Donal ‘Mandy’ Kelly wishes Shane and John luck ahead of the Aria’s Adventures Donegal To Dingle Trek
Irah Gymn tries out the saddle, with Adrian Browne
