Put your walking boots on for the homeless

'Everywhere is within walking distance if you have the time' someone once said but a group of walkers will be setting out from Tara on Saturday, 24th June knowing exactly the distance they have to cover - and what they are seeking to achieve.  

Ratoath-based dentist Conor Irwin and friends has organised a walk from Tara to Newgrange with the aim of alleviating one of the most acute problems in modern Ireland - homelessness.

Irwin, who lives close to Garlow Cross, is, along with Paddy Fields, the chief driving force behind ‘A Midsummer Walk for the Homeless’ which will take place on Saturday with the intrepid walkers due to set out on their 32-kilometre trek at 12 noon.

The aim is to start at Maguire’s Cafe on the Hill of Tara and finish some five hours later at Newgrange Farm.

“A shuttle bus will bring weary but satisfied souls back to the Fair Green in Navan,” explains Irwin. “This is a 32k walk and gets tougher towards the end as the hill of Slane greets you and directs you along the slow climb to the Sacred Tomb at Newgrange some 10k further away.

“You will need to bring water, sun cream and refreshments to make your trek as comfortable as possible. It will be tough but most enjoyable experience in support of a wonderful cause.”

The walk will, for the organiser, and those who participate and contribute to the funds raised, at least represent their efforts to deal with the problem.
“Do I care for the home more than anyone else? I’m certainly not saying that, lots of people do good things, but it’s certainly one of the outrageous aspects of modern Ireland, absolutely.”

The walkers will embark on a journey that will take them into Navan before they head for Slane along the Ramparts and onwards to the ancient tombs of Newgrange.

“There are a number of routes we could take but we deliberately want to go down the Ramparts in Navan,” explained Irwin.

“It’s a hard walk, demanding but the middle of it you can find one of the most stunningly beautiful parts of Ireland, as beautiful a landscape as you are going to see on any walk in this country,” he added before going on to say there is a shorter walk available for those who might like to embark a less arduous trip.

“If the full walk is beyond anyone then why not take the shorter and very beautiful ‘half walk’ option along the River Boyne from the Ramparts in Navan to Slane bridge. If you haven’t experienced this then I can assure people it is one of Meath’s best-kept secrets and you are in for a delightful surprise. Estimated departure from the Ramparts will be 1.15pm, arrival at Slane 3.30pm  approximately. All are welcome.”

Later that evening the walkers are welcome to a BBQ in The Central, Navan from 7pm. 

All funds raised by the walkers will go to a charity set up by out one of the best known figures in Irish charitable circles if not society itself.

“Peter McVerry has done great work for the homeless over the years, he’s a very honest broker and I don’t think anyone has concerns about his charity,” he added.

People can help if they get a sponsorship care and to do so text or call Conor Irwin on (086) 8510707. The cards can be collected in Ratoath Dental Centre or they can be posted out to people.

“We have set up a dedicated bank account for donations. We will also have an online charity donation site, details to follow on Facebook page 'Ratoath Dental Centre' (handle @ratoathdental). We are suggesting €30 for the full walk and €20 for the half walk, both are entirely optional at your discretion.”

The organisers also point out buckets and posters will be placed in a few strategic locations around Meath. Anyone who wants to make a donation can get in touch with Conor Irwin directly.

In 1974 Fr Peter McVerry started working with young people in Dublin and quickly recognised the problems of homeless facing many. He founded the trust that bears his name in 1983 and now people like Conor Irwin are looking to play their part in helping to deal with a problem that remains a burning issue in Irish society.