Gruelling charity run will have two stops in Tipperary next month

On Wednesday, June 28, Monaghan man Emmett McAviney will take on the gruelling challenge of running 700 kilometres from Malin Head in Co Donegal to Mizen Head in Co Cork for the children's charity Barnados.  

The run is expected to take place over a 10-day period between June 28 and July 7.  The route covers 12 counties: Donegal, Derry, Tyrone, Monaghan, Cavan, Meath, Kildare, Carlow, Kilkenny, Tipperary and Cork.

Emmet will be stopping off in Fethard GAA Club at 9.30am, Cahir GAA Club at 2pm and Galtee Gaels GAA Club, Co Limerick at 6.30pm on Tuesday July 4.  

Speaking about why he is taking on the challenge, Emmet said “Barnardos do such good work with families across Ireland that people don’t realise. I know there are thousands of families across Ireland who are struggling. 

"No matter how tough the run is going to be, there are so many families in Ireland that know the real meaning of 'tough' when they struggle every day to provide for their children". 

When it comes to his training regime, the 48-year-old father of three, now living in Kilkenny, said "Training involved running at least five days a week, sometimes twice a day. I would try get at least three long runs (over 25 kilometres) done during the week.

"On a Saturday I would try and include the Kilkenny Park Run, and with the beautiful backdrop of Kilkenny Castle it has to be one of the best park runs in Ireland".  

Emmet’s route will include stops at almost 30 GAA clubs over the 10 days and he is asking for support from club members to complete part of the distance of this mammoth challenge with him and cheer him on.  

The run is sponsored by Healthwatch Ireland and Cruinn Diagnostics.

To track Emmet’s progress, you can follow him on Facebook Malin to Mizen Run for Barnardos|Facebook and for those who wish to donate to Emmet’s run can do so here - iDonate.ie | Support Emmet McAviney's Fundraising Page.