The Moylagh committee at the launch walk, Pierce Grall, David Jones, Breda Carolan, Claire McGivney, Brian Farrelly, JJ Farrelly, Noel Connell, Deirdre Coyle, Eamon Fitzsimons, Mary Nolan, Teresa Foley, John McDonnell, Mary Guirke, Thomas McGivney and Ian Monaghan.

Moylagh limbering up for the 12th JFK 50 Mile Challenge

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The Moylagh committee at the launch walk, Pierce Grall, David Jones, Breda Carolan, Claire McGivney, Brian Farrelly, JJ Farrelly, Noel Connell, Deirdre Coyle, Eamon Fitzsimons, Mary Nolan, Teresa Foley, John McDonnell, Mary Guirke, Thomas McGivney and Ian Monaghan.

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Eamon Fitzsimons, presenting the Moylagh cup to Connor Madden. Eamon bought the cup in memory of his wife Sadie who died from cancer. The cup is presented each year to the individual who raises the most money.

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Deirdre Coyle and Marion Clancy rejoice as they are welcomed back to Community Hall for refreshments after the eight mile walk

Ann Casey

Published: Wed 22 Feb 2023, 10:09 AM

This year’s Moylagh JFK 50 Mile Challenge takes place on 10th June and will raise funds for three cancer charities.

Now in its 12th year, with over €1million raised to date, the Moylagh JFK 50 Mile Challenge will see a brave group of walkers complete a 50 mile circuit, while others will do 50k, five miles or whatever distance they can manage.

The official launch of this iconic fundraiser took pace on Sunday 12th February. A large crowd turned out for an eight-mile loop walk, which began at the Moylagh Community Centre. The organising committee would like to thank everyone who took part last year and those who attended the launch walk this year. Without the support of all the communities along the 50 mile route through Meath, Cavan and Westmeath, the walkers and event sponsors, the challenge would not take place.

Last year, participants raised over €90,000 for cancer services in Ireland, with 80 per cent going to the Irish Cancer Society, 10 per cent to LARCC and 10 per cent to Palliative Care services in the local area.

Johnny Guirke, chairman of Moylagh JFK Challenge said “We would like to thank all the people and businesses who took part over the years and hope to see them again on 10th June. The committee thanks everyone who donates to the running of the event or sponsors equipment for use in the challenge. Without this we would not be able to donate 100 per cent of the funds raised to these much needed cancer services. People come from far and near to do this challenge. You can take part whether you take on five miles or 50- make it your challenge. Find out more at www.50milechallenge.com."

Conor Madden, took on the challenge last year in memory of his brother Adrian who died from kidney cancer in 2021, aged 53. He raised an incredible €8,600 to support cancer patients and their families, and plans to take on this year’s Moylagh once more. He encourages everyone young and old to get involved.

“I wanted to do Moylagh for Adrian. I wasn’t much of a walker before, but I started walking and trained by adding on a mile each week. It means so much to me that I’m helping someone else out there who is going through cancer. Last year, I told my friends and family that if I reached my target of €5000, I’d do the walk again in 2023.This year my target is €6000 and if I reach that target, I’ll go for three in a row and do it again in 2024. My brother Adrian was such a positive person and I know he would be really proud of me.”

For more information or to register for the event, visit 50milechallenge.com