Kilkenny resident set to run gruelling 700km Malin to Mizen challenge

A Kilkenny resident running 700km from Malin Head in Donegal to Mizen Head in Cork will be passing through this county as part of his gruelling challenge to raise funds for Barnardos.

Monaghan native Emmett McAviney will be setting off on Wednesday, June 28, and the run is expected to take place over a 10-day period until July 7.  The route covers 12 counties: Donegal, Derry, Tyrone, Monaghan, Cavan, Meath, Kildare, Carlow, Kilkenny, Tipperary and Cork.  

“Barnardos do such good work with families across Ireland that people don’t realise," said Emmet.

"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, who lives 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 25Km) 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.  

Emmet will be stopping off in Tinryland GAA Club Co Carlow at 9.30am, Gowran GAA Club at 2.30pm and Callan GAA Club at 6pm on Monday, July 3.

Barnardos Director of Fundraising, Mary Gamble said: "Emmet is taking on such a huge challenge running 700KM all in aid of Barnardos. We are incredibly grateful and will be cheering him every step of the way. All funds raised by Emmet will go towards helping vulnerable children across the country and ensuring they will have a better quality of life. Because childhood lasts a lifetime."

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