Cross-country charity walk to set off from Kilkenny next week

Now in its 14th year, Mary’s Meals Ireland’s take on the Walk to Knock, Step by Step to Feed the Next Child, will see groups of walkers from all over Ireland, including Kilkenny, set off on August 7 from eight starting points across the country before converging in Knock, County Mayo on August 15.

Once again this year, a strong contingent from Donegal will take part in the walk, including Danny Meaney. Explaining what he loves most about the event, Danny said: “It’s seeing people of all ages come together with one purpose to help feed children.”

“Whether you’re walking for a few kilometres or joining us for several days, everyone plays a part. It’s amazing to think that something as simple as walking can bring hope to children around the world,” he added.

From humble beginnings in 2013, the Step by Step Walk has become the highlight of the Mary’s Meals fundraising calendar, attracting young and not so young supporters to don their walking shoes and walk the length and breadth of Ireland, all to help feed the next child waiting for Mary’s Meals.

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During 2025, Mary’s Meals achieved the milestone of providing school meals for more than 3 million children in over 6,400 schools across 16 countries and in total, served more than 400 million meals through its community-led school feeding programmes.

In the recently published impact report, the encouraging new data shows how daily school meals helped hunger, improve concentration and keep children in class while supporting local economies.

Executive Director of Mary’s Meals Ireland, Patricia Friel, said: “Through Step by Step to Feed the Next Child, people across Ireland are proving that small acts of kindness, multiplied thousands of times, can transform lives.”

“Whether you walk one kilometre or two hundred, every step, every donation brings us closer to our vision that every child receives one daily meal in their place of education. We would love you to support us this year,” she concluded.

To learn more about the Mary’s Meals walk, including how to take part or make a donation, visit Step by Step | Mary's Meals Ireland.