Massive turnout locally for ‘Climb With Charlie’
The highly publicised 'Climb for Charlie', initiated by former RTE reporter Charlie Bird who is battling Motor Neurone disease, was very well supported in The Avondhu readership area.
Galtymore was going to be the obvious choice for many and while the hike was underway, many were unaware of the drama unfolding near the summit of Galtymore where walkers and paramedics fought bravely but unsussessfully to save the life of Cora O'Grady.
Corrin Hill, the Ballyhouras and the slopes of the Knock meal downs also brought out the crowds. Members and supporters of Fermoy Golf Club mobilised in impressive fashion for a walk to the top of Corrin Hill.
More than 500 participants assembled at Mount Melleray aided by over 50 volunteers. The event, organised by Knock meal down Active, raised €14,170 for the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association and Pieta.
An enthusiastic group, numbering close on 100, gathered at Kilbehenny Community Centre and set off from King’s Yard for the peak of Galtymore. Local man John O’Gorman, regaled the hills with a rendition of 'The Galtee Mountain Boy’ and at the time of writing, more than €10,000 was raised.
While the event was run as a ‘Climb with Charlie’ walk, the hike was particularly immediate as the funds raised will be donated to local man Jer Spillane and his family. Mr Spillane, like Mr Bird, is also stricken with Motor Neurone Disease.
Saturday saw a fine group set off from Kings Yard, via Kilbehenny Community Centre, for the peak of Galtymore in support of Climb with Charlie, and organisers report that the event was very well supported,
with 95 making their way up the hill, over €10,000 raised so far, and a song from John O’Gorman as he regaled the hills with a rendition of ‘The Galtee Mountain Boy’ at the top of GaltyMor.
The event was run as a ‘Climb with Charlie’ walk but in this case,
the hike was particularly immediate as funds raised will be donated to local man Jer Spillane and his family. Mr Spillane, like Mr Bird, has Motor Neurone Disease. Moss Fitzgerald of Kilbehenny Community Council told The Avondhu how there was ‘ good form’ in the hall after the hike, as
those gathered mingled with Jer, his wife Jackie and their two children while enjoying the wellearned refreshments.
Bearing in mind the sad events of the day, Mr Fitzgerald, speaking on behalf of the Kilbehenny Community Council, offered his condolences to the O’Grady family on the sad passing of Cora
O’Grady, who died while while taking part in the ‘Climb With Charlie’.
Organiser Carmel O’Gorman also expressed her sympathy to Cora’s family and all those that knew her, while extending her thanks to all who helped out on the day.
Amongst those who stepped up for the event were the crew of Kilbehenny Community Centre, including those who did the registration in the hall, and the stewards who helped with the car parking while not forgetting the all-important guides who got people up the hill and in the right direction!
Ms O’Gorman also thanked Stephen and
Bridget Ryan in Kings yard, the catering staff in the community hall afterwards who made sure everyone was fed and watered, and all those who donated both food and financially to the cause.
Ms O’Gorman also paid tribute to Thomas Power for printing sponsorship cards, to all those who took the cards, and to Michelle Lewis of Galtee Glow who donated candles for the cause.
All money raised is lodged in a special account in the Credit Union, and will be presented to the Spillane Family at a later date.