Brendán’s marathon mission stops off in Mullingar

Brendán O’Neill from Ballydonoghue, Co Kerry, arrived in Mullingar on Tuesday evening, 15 days into an extraordinary physical and mental challenge, running 32 marathons in 32 days across all 32 counties of Ireland.

His mission is more than athletic endurance. Brendán is undertaking the challenge to raise awareness and vital funds for Focus Ireland, a charity working to tackle homelessness and as part of the challenge, he is spending each night homeless.

What began as an idea three years ago has now become a powerful personal and public journey, one driven by determination, compassion, and resilience in the face of adversity.

“I’ve always wanted to push myself physically and mentally,” Brendán explained. “Three years ago, the idea of 32 marathons in 32 days came into my head, but I listened to all the reasons people said I couldn’t do it, and I gave up on the dream. But it never left me. Last year I decided to go for it, and I trained every day to get here,” he revealed.

Brendán’s story is one of quiet determination and meaningful action. Through pain, fatigue, and long days on the road, he continues to shine a light on a national crisis, meeting supportive communities at every stop and proving that one person, along with the support of people across the country, really can make a difference.

The journey began in Antrim on July 23. From there, Brendán worked his way through Ulster and part of Connacht, and is now completing the Leinster leg before returning west and eventually finishing in Munster. The challenge will conclude in his home county of Kerry on August 23.

He is not doing it alone. His uncle and close friend, Padraig Enright, is accompanying him every step of the way, offering vital support on the road and lifting spirits with his accordion along the route. That spirit of music and community was alive and well during their Mullingar stopover, when the pair visited Clarke’s Bar.

There, they received a wonderful welcome from proprietor Kieran Clarke and the customers. Padraig joined local musicians in a lively seisiún, and the evening turned into a heartfelt sing-song with locals enthusiastically joining in. The atmosphere was warm and generous, with strong support shown for Brendán’s cause.

“We’re only here a few hours and the support from Westmeath has been unreal,” remarked Brendán. “People were beeping horns to encourage us, and the welcome at Clarke’s Bar was incredible. Kieran has been brilliant and so many people have given generously to the cause. We'd like to give a shout out to Gary Brady in 21 Male Grooming who recommended visiting Clarke's Bar."

The physical toll has been severe. On day five, Brendán suffered a stress fracture in his foot and femur, forcing him to adapt his approach. "It was either give up or keep the show on the road, so I decided to keep going by any means necessary. First I walked, now I cycle parts of the route when needed. The main thing is getting to the finish line," he said.

Despite the pain, Brendán remains focused on the bigger picture of highlighting the ongoing homelessness crisis in Ireland. “When I first thought of this challenge, there were 10,000 people homeless. Now it’s closer to 16,000, and still it feels like nothing is really being done. I’m not trying to get political; I just want to raise awareness and funds,” he remarked.

The target is to raise €32,000 for Focus Ireland, a symbolic figure matching the 32 counties he is crossing. “If we reach that, great. If not, we’ve still done something important. We’ve already hit the €10,000 mark and there’s great momentum behind us,” he said.

On Wednesday, Brendán and Padraig were back on the road again, cycling from Mullingar to Athlone and returning later in the day. From there, it’s on to Offaly and the remaining counties before the final stretch home.

“This challenge is about more than running - it’s about showing solidarity with those who face the harsh reality of homelessness every day. I believe in the power of community, and I’m running to make a real difference,” said Brendán.

Cian Dalton, Community Fundraising Officer for Focus Ireland, added: “Brendán’s commitment is truly inspiring. Every step he takes helps shine a light on the urgent need to support people experiencing homelessness. We’re proud to stand with him.”

Donations can be made online through Brendán’s fundraising campaign for Focus Ireland at the following link: 32 marathons