Nina Carberry and Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran help launch Carrie’s Walk

Irish champion amateur jockey and Midlands North-West MEP Nina Carberry and Minister of State Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran joined by kidney transplant recipients, community representatives and organisers at a pre-launch photocall, at the Bounty Restaurant and Bar on 2 October, to announce Carrie’s 5km Charity Walk.

The 5km event takes place on Sunday 11 October at 2pm at the Athlone Regional Sports Centre, when members of the public are invited to walk, jog or run at their own pace in support of the three charities working with kidney and heart patients and their families – Croí, Irish Heart Foundation (IHF) and Irish Kidney Association (IKA).

Now in its third year, this year’s Carrie’s 5km Charity Walk is being organised by Athlone woman Carrie Minagh in partnership with the IKA Westmeath Branch, and 60% of the proceeds will go to the Irish Kidney Association (IKA). The remaining 40% will be divided equally between Croí and the Irish Heart Foundation (IHF).

There is no requirement to register for the event and there is no registration fee; it’s open to all, and people can choose to donate to the event on the day or at www.idonate.ie/westmeathbranchika.

Nina Carberry joined volunteer members of the IKA Westmeath Branch, former Athlone and Westmeath footballer and kidney transplant recipient John Egan, walk founder Carrie Minagh, and local representatives at the event on Friday.

Present from the Westmeath IKA Branch, were chairman Jack Cunniffe, a kidney transplant recipient from Taughmaconnell, secretary Brian Mulvihill, from Coosan, whose son Ronan underwent a kidney transplant last year, and treasurer Cian Brennan, from Mullingar, whose aunt donated a kidney to him in April 2025.

They were joined by Cllr John Gibbons and Cllr John Dolan.

For Nina Carberry, supporting kidney patients and transplant recipients has a particularly personal connection. Her late father, jockey and 1975 Grand National winner Tommy Carberry, was a supporter of the Punchestown Kidney Research Fund (PKRF) Race, which began in 1990 and in which he came first.

The race was founded by kidney transplant recipient James Nolan, a business owner and amateur jockey. Tommy returned to take part again in the PKRF race in 1992 and was again first past the post.

The PKRF Race continues to form part of the Punchestown Festival and has raised in excess of €2 million for kidney research and other activities, including programmes run by the Irish Kidney Association in support of kidney patients and their families.

Nina Carberry said: “Carrie’s Walk is an example of what can be achieved when a community comes together to support people and families whose lives have been affected by illness including cardiovascular and kidney disease and transplantation.

“The work of the Irish Kidney Association, Croí and the IHF is important, and events like this help raise both vital funds and awareness.

“Our family has also had a long association with the Punchestown Kidney Research Fund through its founder, James Nolan, a transplant recipient.

“Organ donation is such a profound gift of human kindness and represents the best of humanity. The Irish Kidney Association does great work in supporting kidney patients as well as promoting organ donation and encouraging people to carry organ donor cards. Raising awareness of organ donation is so important because ultimately it is about giving someone else the opportunity of a second chance at life.

“I’m delighted to be here in Athlone to help highlight Carrie’s Walk. I hope as many people as possible take part on 11 October, and help make the day a great success.”

The family-friendly event, which Carrie Minagh launched three years ago following her recovery from a brain aneurysm and stroke, has become an annual opportunity to bring people together while raising funds for worthy causes.

At the launch, Carrie spoke about the motivation behind the event, highlighting the importance of community, support and giving people hope during difficult times.

Cllr John Dolan, also spoke about the work Croí and the Heart Foundation do in supporting patients and about how he required prolonged rehabilitation following a cardiac arrest in 2017.

Among those telling their storeis was Cian Brennan from Mullingar, who received a living donor-kidney transplant from his aunt last year, John Egan, who received a living donor kidney transplant from his family friend in 2021. He spoke about how it can be difficult for kidney patients to get life insurance.

Cian and John will be stepping out for Carrie’s Walk on 11 October, when John will speak about his transplant.

Minister of State Moran said: “I’m delighted to be here in support of this community event in my own county. It is a great opportunity to bring people together, while increasing awareness about kidney and heart health and celebrating the gift of life and the importance of community support.

“Some of the people here today have renewed health thanks to the care and support they have received from healthcare professionals and from charities that advocate for and support patients and their families. Some have been given a second chance at life through organ donation and transplantation, made possible because of the generosity of someone who made the decision to donate a loved one’s organs.

“Carrie’s Walk is a wonderful way of bringing these stories together and reminding us of the difference that community, compassion and generosity can make in people’s lives. I wish Carrie, the Westmeath IKA Branch and everyone involved every success with this year’s walk, and I encourage people from across the county and beyond to come along, take part and support these very important causes.”

Carrie’s Charity 5km Walk is on Sunday 11 October at 2pm at Athlone Regional Sports Centre. Participants of all ages are welcome to walk, jog or run at their own pace, with everyone encouraged to come along and take part.

There is no registration fee to take part, and participants can donate whatever they can afford. Those unable to attend on the day can also support the three charities through the online fundraising platform at idonate.ie/westmeathbranchika.

There will also be collection buckets for donations on the day.

For organ donor cards including the digital donor card visit www.ika.ie.