Barefoot walker in Dundalk!

THE ‘ barefoot walker’ made his way to Dundalk on Friday last during his 2,000 kilometre trek across Ireland in aid of Pieta House

Mayo native Eamonn Keaveney set off barefoot on May 1st on his ‘Baring My Soles’ mammoth tour of Ireland, north and south.

The 24 year old teacher is hoping to both break the Guinness World Record for longest barefoot journey and also to raise money for Pieta House Suicide and Self-Harm Crisis Centre.

As part of his journey he is not permitted to wear shoes, socks or even plasters on his feet unless he takes an official rest day. He is also not permitted to accept any lifts from passers by.

On day 51 of his trek last month he reached the 1,000km halfway milestone and to date has raised more than €13,300.

At the end of last week, he reached Louth on the Leinster part of his journey, stopping off first in Dunleer.

On Friday, he made the barefoot journey into Dundalk, where he received a great reception from Dundalk Tourist office and a number locals.

Having celebrated his 24th birthday on the road last weekend, he trekked from Dundalk to Newry on Saturday. From there he will continue up towards Belfast, around through Donegal before making his way back down the western coastline to his home in Claremorris.

Speaking about his trek, Eamonn’s sister Yvonne said she and the rest of the family were immensely proud of his achievements.

‘Given that suicide and self-harm are issues that affect growing numbers of people, whether directly or indirectly, we all think that this a very worthy cause, and I know that the more people hear about it the better. We are hoping that the more people that know about the walk, the more he could raise for Pieta House.’

People can follow Eamonn’s exploits on Facebook and Twitter while donations to the cause can be on fundraising page ‘everydayhero.com.ie/baring-my-soles