The Moylagh committee at the launch walk, Pierce Grall, David Jones, Breda Carolan, Claire McGivney, Brian Farrelly, JJ Farrelly, Noel Connell, Deirdre Coyle, Eamon Fitzsimons, Mary Nolan, Teresa Foley, John McDonnell, Mary Guirke, Thomas McGivney and Ian Monaghan. Photos: Justin Burke

2023 Moylagh JFK 50-Mile Challenge launched

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A large crowd turned out for the Moylagh JFK 50-Mile Challenge launch walk on Sunday last, February 12, and completed an eight-mile loop from the Moylagh community centre.

The committee thanked everyone who took part last year and those who attended the launch walk this year.

They said that without the support of all the communities along the 50-mile route through Westmeath, Meath and Cavan, the walkers and event sponsors, the challenge would not take place.

This year’s Moylagh JFK 50-Mile Challenge is on June 10, and people are invited to make it their challenge, and walk any distance, from five miles to 50.

Deirdre Coyle and Marion Clancy were among those who did the launch walk on Sunday.

Last year, participants raised €90,000 for cancer services in Ireland, 80% of which went to the Irish Cancer Society, 10% to LARCC and 10% to palliative care services in the area.

Johnny Guirke, chairman of Moylagh JFK Challenge, said: “We would like to thank all the people and businesses who took part over the years and hope to see them again on June 10.

“The committee thank everyone who donates to the running of the event or sponsors equipment for use in the challenge. Without that, we wouldn’t be able to donate 100% of the funds raised to these cancer services. People come from far and near to do this challenge. Check us out on social media and www.50milechallenge.com.”

Eamon Fitzsimons, presenting the Moylagh cup to Connor Madden. Eamon bought the cup in memory of his wife Sadie, who died from cancer. The cup is presented each year to the individual who raises the most money. Photos: Justin Burke

Conor Madden took on the challenge last year in memory of his brother Adrian, who died from kidney cancer in 2021, aged 53.

He raised €8,600 to support cancer patients and their families, and plans to take on this year’s Moylagh once more. “I wanted to do Moylagh for Adrian. I wasn’t much of a walker before but I started walking and trained by adding on a mile each week.

“It means so much to me that I’m helping someone else out there who is going through cancer. Last year, I told my friends and family that if I reached my target of €5000, I’d do the walk again in 2023.

“This year my target is €6000 and if I reach that target, I’ll go for three in a row and do it again in 2024.

“My brother Adrian was such a positive person and I know he would be really proud of me.”

The event is now in its 12th year and more than €1 million has been raised to date.

For more information or to register for the event, visit www.50milechallenge.com.

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