Galway man's remarkable 24 hours on Croagh Patrick
John’s reason for doing the climb is very close and personal to his heart
This inspiring Galway man will climb Croagh Patrick continuously for 24 hours to raise funds for two charities.
Dunmore man John Mullarkey will take on this extraordinary event in aid of Autism Assistance Dogs Ireland and Parkinson's Ireland Galway.
From 4pm on Friday right through to 4pm on Saturday, John will scale the peak of the famous mountain - which inspired the Saw Doctors chant and Mayo GAA anthem ‘Green and Red of Mayo’ - before descending and turning to face into it again, repeating that process as many times as possible.
John’s reason for doing the climb is very close and personal to his heart as his wife Paula was diagnosed with Parkinson’s several years ago and has attended classes organised by Parkinson’s Galway to help her navigate through the disease.
Through his friendship with Deirdre ‘Dee’ Jordan and her family, he has also seen the impact Autism Assistance Dogs Ireland has had on Dee's son, Joe, who was partnered with assistance dog Irwin in 2021.
Autism Assistance Dogs Ireland receives no Government funding and families are never asked to pay for their assistance dog.
It costs approximately €25,000 to breed, train, place and provide lifelong support for each assistance dog, with every partnership funded through the generosity of donors, businesses, schools, clubs and volunteers.
John has become immersed in his training, fitting the build up work around his job and personal life but maintains that the biggest test will be the overnight climbs.
John said: “I always support Parkinson's as my wife Paula was diagnosed a few years ago and I'm good friends with Dee and her sister Margaret and I know how important Irwin is to Dee's son Joe and being a dog lover myself I decided to include Autism Assistance Dogs Ireland as well.
“The toughest part will be the night climbing as it will be surreal to be up there all by myself! Once dawn breaks during the night climb it will give me a big boost as Saturday will be a special day for everybody involved in this project."
Parkinson's Ireland Galway Branch provides community-based support services including physiotherapy, speech and language therapy, yoga, and dance and movement classes across Galway, helping people living with Parkinson's maintain mobility, confidence and wellbeing.
Members of the public are invited to support John by joining him for part of the climb, cheering him on from the mountain, or making a donation online.
Funds raised will be shared equally between Autism Assistance Dogs Ireland and Parkinson's Ireland Galway Branch.
You can find more information and donate to John here.