Tuam stop on across Ireland walking challenge

A FATHER from Spain will make a stop in Tuam as he embarks on the extraordinary challenge of walking across Ireland.

Tony Merrigan (70) from Nerja in Spain will begin his walk from Donegal town on Monday, July 13 and is aiming arrive in Kinsale on Saturday, August 1, covering more than 450 kilometres across the country in support of MS Ireland.

His route will bring him through several towns and communities including Tuam on Monday, July 20 and Claregalway, on Tuesday, July 21.

The cause is deeply personal for Tony, as his daughter was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis 19 years ago.

“My daughter Laura, unfortunately, at 27, she was diagnosed with MS,” said Tony.

“She is 46 now and has had a child since. She lives a full life, but she gets tired, and she has her moments,” he added.

Tony, who turned 70 last year is excited about the challenge that’s starting next week and has already begun training for it, making use of the mountains and walking routes near his home.

The 19 days walk will be a major endurance challenge, with just one rest day in Limerick.

“It doesn’t sound much, 25 kilometres per day, but the hardest part is doing it every day and getting up again the following morning to do it again. But I will do it.”

This challenge will not be the first for Tony, since he has previously completed a walk from France to Santiago de Compostela, a journey of more than 800 kilometres in 32 days.

He is also encouraging people to join him on the route and be a part of the journey.

“Anybody that sees me on the road, beep the horn or indeed join me. They’re more than welcome. I would love that,” he said.

The fundraiser is being organised directly through MS Ireland’s Enthuse platform, which means that every cent raised will go straight to the charity.