Community plans Sliabh Aughty Climb to coincide with broadcaster’s big day on Croagh Patrick
One corner of the county is planning a major community walking event to coincide with Charlie Bird's climbing of Croagh Patrick on Saturday, April 2.
The Sliabh Aughty Climb With Charlie will take place in Woodford at noon on the same day and organisers are encouraging people to come to the beautiful Sliabh Aughty mountains, walk in solidarity with Charlie, and fundraise for his chosen charities, the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association and Pieta House.
The event will be headquartered at the Tommy Larkin's GAA Club grounds in the heart of Woodford and will feature two distances, a 5km walk and a 9km walk.
Walking will take place on a combination of public roads and Coillte forestry roads, and will feature some gentle ascents, well within the capacity of all walkers.
One of the event organisers, Loughrea-based Karla Quinn, says that many people will be walking in memory of their loved ones who died from Motor Neurone disease.
“Our family lost our mother to this disease, and when I saw Charlie Bird facing up to the same incredibly tough challenge with such dignity, it made absolute sense to me to organise an event in solidarity with him,” she explained.
“Since Charlie appeared on the Late Late Show I have been contacted by so many other Galwegians who have also lost loved ones to MND and it made sense for us to organise our own local event.
“We're going to Woodford as it's just simply a beautiful place in the Sliabh Aughty Mountains and we have been welcomed with open arms by Tommy Larkin's GAA Club,” said Karla.
Charlie Bird has sent his best wishes to all participants in the Sliabh Aughty event and says that he is deeply grateful to everyone who is planning an event on April 2.
“I'm completely overwhelmed by the extent of the support I'm receiving, and I'm deeply grateful to each and every person who will walk with me in every corner of Ireland on the day. Every euro we get, and I mean every euro will go to Pieta, Ireland's national suicide prevention charity, and the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association,” said Charlie.
Just this week the Galway minor hurling team offered their support, with all members of the panel and their families planning to be in Woodford on April 2.
Team manager Fergal Healy says that it's a powerful way for young hurlers to become involved in a major community endeavour that seeks to bring the whole of Galway together in supporting Charlie Bird and his chosen charities.
Local TD Ciaran Cannon is also an organiser and he's very grateful to all of the business owners who have already sponsored the event. He's also asking others to come on board.
“It's early days yet, but over the last month a number of local businesses have been exceptionally generous in sponsoring our event,” he said.
“We're hoping that many more will come on board over the next month. Anyone who is interested in supporting any aspect of the event can contact us through our Sliabh Aughty Climb with Charlie Facebook page, or by calling my office on 087 2529680,” he added.