48,000 steps sees John complete marathon in support of Marymount

DUHALLOW REFEREE COMPLETES WALKS AT 19 DUHALLOW GAA GROUNDS AT THE WEEKEND

DUHALLOW referee John Hartnett completed his epic charity challenge of completing a Run/Walk at all 19 Duhallow GAA grounds over nineteen consecutive hours last weekend.

Ahead of the re-commencement of the GAA season, John laced his running shoes to build up stamina on a midnight start and 19 hours later, he was delighted to deliver 48,000 steps to complete a hectic schedule in a fund raising venture supporting Marymount Hospice with in excess of €7,000 raised this week through both donations and a special gofundme link.

“Relieved and thrilled to have undertaken the challenge, thanks are extended to the clubs for opening up their grounds through the night and day, also thanks to the Duhallow Board, club members for coming out to run and walk and to the public for their kind generosity”, he said.

“I can’t forget my own family for their backing and encouragement, it was a tough challenge but a quick dip in the river Blackwater near Cullen proved refreshing and allowed me push on. And the offer of physio Dan McCabe to provide his facility was much appreciated”, said John.

On doing so, John collected vital funds by running/walking for 19 minutes in the nineteen GAA pitches within Duhallow and receiving a warm reception on a completion in Boherbue.

“I collected for Marymount

Hospice as we all know the great work they do every day to care for people who are at different stages of illness. To know that these patients have the best care possible is a great comfort for families”, said John.

“All our frontline staff are working under extreme stress and risk so I decided to help support them. I’ve had a close family member spend time in Marymount so I have first hand experience of the wonderful work they do,” he said.

Patrons can support the fundraiser for Marymount by logging on to John’s online Go Fund Me account at Http:// www.gofundme.com/f /dw9q5q

Marymount Hospice fundraiser John Hartnett received a banana and a bottle of water from Maeve and Tiernan O’Connell ahead of his Run in Knocknagree.

Out in force in Lismire at 6am for the John Hartnett Run in support of Marymount Hospice were Cormac Hartnett, Joe Ahern, Martina Aherrn, John Hartnett, Ollie Kearney, Pat Bourke and Thomas Stritch.

ABOVE: Participants out in force during the Marymount Hospice Fundraiser at the St. Johns GAA Ground at Station Road.

LEFT: Little Nell O’Keeffe stepping out during Marymount Hospice Fundraiser in Boherbue.

John Hartnett pictured with Michael John O’Keeffe and Cormac Hartnett during the Marymount Hospice Run in Dromtariffe.

Knocknagree supporters out in force at the John Hartnett Fundraiser for Marymount Hospice.

Duhallow referee John Hartnett enjoyed a warm reception to the Banteer Sports Field in the presence of Jerome Casey, Ciara Harnett, Donie Twomey, Conor O’Keeffe, Colum Buckley, Kevin Roche, Cormac Hartnett and Conor Lanre.

Boherbue GAA Chairperson Eileen Casey O’Connor pictured with Marymount Hospice Fundraiser John Hartnett and his family at the completion of his marathon Run. All photos by John Tarrant.