James and Dan set to take charity challenge in aid of Kilkenny charity

Sheer determination, grit and the motivation to keep going will hopefully get two Kilkenny men over the finish line next Saturday when they participate in the Quest Challenge.
James Fennelly, who runs Fennelly Fitness in Kilkenny City and Dan Comerford are taking part in the adventure event to help raise awareness around mental health and to promote the benefits of exercising on a regular basis.
“We were looking for an extreme challenge to raise awareness for mental health and raise money for a local mental health charity after one of James’s staff members, Stevie Dooley, sadly took his own life in January of 2018. We wanted a challenge that would push us to the extreme and really test us in memory of Stevie. Quest 12 seemed to fit the bill perfectly,” said James.
The pair have been training intensely for the past number of months and have cycled from Kilkenny to the base of Sliabh na mBan and run up the mountain and cycled back as part of their training.
Dan Comerford explained that the idea came from his brother-in-law, Rory Leadbetter who is an adventure sports enthusiast.
“Once we heard about it we decided to go and do it,” said Dan.
“We are doing a mix of intense interval style training mixed with longer endurance sessions. Typically every Saturday is our long session which could be upwards of a five hour training session involving tough cycles and mountain running. We also like to mix in our gym work which we enjoy along with fuelling our training correctly with proper nutrition.”
Dan has already undertaken tough physical challenges and lost an incredible six stone in weight, two years ago when he decided to shape up before his wedding.
“It is all down to diet and training - I had a very unhealthy lifestyle before and I wasn't really aware of it, he said adding that adopting healthy eating and exercise habits has changed his life.
“I have so much more energy and it is sustained energy and I feel better mentally. It has changed my life, before I suppose I was struggling a bit but I didn't even realise it,” said Dan.
James who was crowned Ireland's Strongest Man on four occasions from 2007 to 2013 also shared how he has had some tough times.
“Back during the recession I was struggling mentally but I got through it. Things were tough for a time,” he said.
This candid and honest approach to talking about mental health and how to maintain g ood mental health is helping to raise awareness in the local community.
“I see it in people every day - exercise and training really does happen. For a lot of people exercise is how they stay mentally well. Exercuise and eating a healthy and balanced diet are essential for good health.”
Both men have been directly affected by suicide and have known people who have died by suicide.
“This winter was tough for Kilkenny - there was a lot of suicide and this affects everyone,” said Dan.
The pair chose the Thomas Hayes Trust as the charity to benefit from their fundraising .
We have set ourselves a goal of raising €5000 for The Thomas Hayes Trust To date, we have raised close to €2000, so any donation big or small would be greatly appreciated,” added James.
The aim of the Thomas Hayes Trust is to provide support to individuals and families/friends who are affected by loss, through suicide, or those considering suicide and to contribute to the prevention of suicide in the community. They undertake this objective through the provision of free counselling, education, a drop in support service in the Teac Tom Centre, and a public awareness campaign to promote positive mental health.
The charity’s founder, Angela Hayes said that she is delighted with the fundraising effort.
“It is great to have the two lads taking part in Quest 12. To push yourself so hard and to be able to push through and overcome obstacles is in ways similar to someone who is struggling with their mental health. What the two of them are putting themselves through to help promote this cause is phenomenal,” she added.
Quest 12 will take place this Saturday in Kerry and will start with a 48 kilometre cycle from Sneem to the base of Carrauntoohil, Ireland’s highest mountain. This will be followed by a 13 kilometre run up and down the mountain and then a 48 kilometre cycle to Waterville where participants will kayak for five kilometres before cycling a further 14 kilometres to Caherdaniel and running the 18 kilometres back to Sneem.
You can donate can do so at Fennelly Fitness at or at https://www.idonate.ie/dan
andjamesrequest