Dunmore man plans 24-hour Reek challenge

Fundraising for two charities

A DUNMORE man is taking on the gruelling task of a 24-hour Croagh Patrick climb in a bid to raise funds for the Galway branch of Parkinson’s Ireland and Autism Assistance Dogs Ireland.

John Mullarkey aka Sean O Maoilearca (64) from Clonkeen, is hoping to climb Croagh Patrick up to seven times in 24 hours. He plans to start at 4pm on Friday, August 7 and finish at 4pm on Saturday, August 8.

John has been challenging himself with a new adventure every year over the last two years.

He describes it as a gesture of gratitude towards Galway Parkinson’s who are a great support to his wife Paula Mullarkey, who was diagnosed with the condition in 2019.

This will not be John’s first time taking on a Croagh Patrick challenge.

He is familiar with the Mayo reek and previously completed the Seven Day Peak the Reek Challenge by climbing it seven days in a row. This time he wants to see how many times he can complete the route 7km route up and down the mountain within those 24 hours.

“Last time it took me an hour and 45 minutes to climb up and down. So, I am hoping I will be able to climb almost ten times with a few breaks in between,” explained John.

He has been training for this unique challenge by taking long walks and climbing Croagh Patrick a few times over the last three weeks.

To build his stamina and train his body for endurance, he hiked the reek twice within four hours.

“Less than four hours for two back-to-back climbs was a great performance, but it taught me that I need to slow myself down, otherwise I won’t be able to do it again,” said John.

“It’s a unique challenge that impacts me both physically and mentally. So, I need to plan properly to make sure I can climb it multiple times throughout the 24 hours,” he added.

Through his previous challenges, John has raised more than €16,000 for Parkinson’s Ireland and is hoping to receive the same support this time for both Autism Ireland and the Galway branch of Parkinson’s Ireland.

“I met a lady at the Parkinson’s Association whose nephew has Autism, and they have an Autism Assistance Dog.

“They are the ones who inspired me to fundraise for Autism Assistance Dogs Ireland.”

John is also inviting people to join him during one of his climbs and support the cause.

The fundraiser was officially launched on Sunday, July 12 at the Ard Rí hotel in Tuam, where members of both charity groups along with the Dunmore Festival Committee expressed delight on John’s initiative and offered their support. His fundraiser also coincides with the Dunmore Annual Festival that takes place in the first week of August.

“People from Parkinson’s Association and some of my friends are going to join me on Saturday and Dunmore Festival Committee has also offered their full support.

“I am also reaching out to the local sports club who could use the climb as a training session while also supporting a good cause,” he continued.

“It is a great cause and the organisations are amazing. I like to help out in whatever way I can, but I believe I will have to draw a line somewhere.”

Those wishing to contribute to John’s fundraiser can visit the 24 hr Croagh Patrick Climb page on www.idonate.ie.