Noel Joyce with Johnny Cosgrove, a fellow Mayo man, of Cosgrove's Bar, Dominick Street, Mullingar and Johnny's grandchildren Alfie and Lily-Rose.

A Mayo man who lives in Mullingar is hoping for a successful outcome to his county's endeavours this Sunday.

Noel Joyce of Newtown Lawns is walking from Mullingar to Dublin, to raise funds for Our Lady's Children's Hospital, Crumlin, and arriving in time to (he hopes) see Mayo become All-Ireland Senior Football champions.

The Claremorris native is not being exclusive about it either: "I'm looking for a Donegal person to come with me, and also to get donations," said Noel.

Starting on Thursday September 20, Noel expects to arrive for the all-Ireland final, and the following day will present a cheque to the hospital when the winning team visit with the Sam Maguire Cup, as is traditional.

Noel will be stopping over in Enfield, Maynooth and the Red Cow before making for Croke Park on Sunday. "If anyone is available on the Saturday to assist with the bucket collection, that would be appreciated," he said.

"My theme is Mullingar to Croker - help fill Sam, I'm no joker! I'm hoping to have more walkers, be they Mayo, Donegal, Westmeath, anywhere... It would be great to have a Donegal person!"

To support Noel, search for him on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com//noel.joyce1#!/noel.joyce1) and support him by donating at www.cmrf.org/fund-raiser/show?id=2620; or Ref: Walk to Croker, AIB Bank, 100 Grafton Street, Dublin 2; A/C Name: CMRF; A/C No.11501369; Sort Code 93-10-47.