Moylagh JFK 50 Mile Challenge tops €1m

Moylagh JFK 50 Mile Challenge raises more than €1 million for cancer services and research over last 11 years

Published: Tue 12 Jul 2022, 4:59 PM

Last updated: Tue 12 Jul 2022, 5:01 PM

The Moylagh JFK 50 Mile Challenge has raised €1,068,883 for cancer services and research since it started 11 years ago, its committee has said.

The final amount raised was unveiled in McEvoy’s pub, Dromone, at the weekend.

This year, the annual event took place on June 11 and hundreds of participants completed the 50 miles in under 20 hours or less to vital funds for cancer patients and their families.

A total of €91,333 was raised in 2022, and that went to the Irish Cancer Society, LARCC and local palliative care groups.

Moylagh JFK 50 Mile Challenge committee member Eamon Fitzsimons presented a cheque for €73,067 to Irish Cancer Society representative Sarah Beakey at the weekend.

The Sarah Fitzsimons Cup, an award for the individual who raises the most money that year, was presented to Conor Madden from Cork.

Navan group Utmost International were the recipients of The Anna Frances Memorial Award as the team who raised the most money in 2022.

Johnny Guirke, chair of the Moylagh JFK 50 Mile Challenge Committee, said: “We are extremely proud to have raised more than €1 million for cancer services and research over the last 11 years.

“We would like to thank every walker and runner from all corners of the country who took part over the years. Without them, we wouldn’t have been able to raise this money for the Irish Cancer Society, LARCC and local Palliative Care groups.

“We are grateful to our local community of Moylagh and surrounding parishes and townlands, who get really involved every year. Throughout the day of the walk, local people are always out in force to help out with catering, stewarding, volunteering as drivers and handing out water.”

Rosemary Simmons, Irish Cancer Society Head of Fundraising, added: “The Moylagh JFK 50 Mile Challenge is a unique event that brings the community together in a special way.

"It has raised a life-changing amount of money that helps support cancer patients and their families. The Irish Cancer Society is extremely grateful to be part of this and we would like to say a big well done, and massive thanks to all involved.”

If you or anyone you know has concerns or questions about cancer, contact the Irish Cancer Society Support Line on Freephone: 1800 200 700.