Countdown to Midsummer Walk for homeless under way

The  Annual Midsummer Walk for the Homeless will take place on Saturday 23rd June in aid of Peter McVerry. 
Last year the Midsummer Walk raised over €10,000 of much needed funds for the Peter McVerry cause and the walk's founder and driving force, Conor Irwin,  is very hopeful that this year's event will generate even more. 
"Why not put this  date in your diary and get walking in support of the homeless," says Conor Irwin who runs a dental practice in Ratoath. 
The main walk starts  from the Hill of Tara and ends at Newgrange. It is a 32k walk and takes about six hours going into Navan then tracking the River Boyne to Slane and from there along a quiet road to Bru Na Boinne / Newgrange.  
"The section from Navan to Slane is breathtakingly beautiful and many people prefer this 'half walk'  option which is about 12km and takes about two and a half hours," he explains.  
"Parts  of this section are a little tricky with deep ancient forest and some rough and muddy terrain to pass through making it something of an outdoor adventure !  
"Walkers should choose whichever option suits them best. If they want to take on the challenge of the longer walk then good for them. It is a few weeks away and might be a good target to aim for, but the half walk is great fun and takes the walkers along the most beautiful river section. Either way we are all helping to raise funds for the most unfortunate among us."
As part of this year's Boyne Valley Food Series the walk will be followed by a 'Midsummer Feast' also in aid of PMV at Decoy Country Cottages , Garlow Cross Navan on the same day and all walkers are welcome to attend. This will be a delightful way to reward your efforts and enjoy tasty delights in the glorious countryside with the Secret Jazz Band  setting the summer mood. 
The plight of the Homeless situation in Ireland is an issue that very much concerns Dr Irwin  ''It is simply not acceptable that we pay so little heed to the most needy among us in this country.  It is outrageous that we can accept that some people just end up on the streets or expect them to rear families in hotels or hostels. I share Fr Peter McVerry's outrage in this regard.  I am very much aware of the fantastic work being done by a good number of residents of Ratoath who help feed these hungry Homeless people on the streets of Dublin. Most people care and want to help but often they  dont know how they can. The Midsummer Walk for the Homeless is our way of doing something to help. '' 
Conor Irwin has been a dentist for just over 30 years and set up Ratoath Dental Centre on his return from England in 1998. The practice has now become a central part of the dental care of Ratoath and beyond. 
As a part time sculptor in his spare time Irwin recently presented a bronze bust of the late Henry Loughran a renowned Navan publican to the Loughran family in an event at Lockie's bar in Navan.  
''Henry was a great character and had the most wonderful head '' adds Irwin. ''It was a cross between a native American Indian and a wise old crow!'' The Loughran family were delighted by the gift and Henry's Head is now proudly on display in a bar known as 'Lockies.' The presentation was a great success and we raised €850 for the Peter McVerry Trust in the process.'' 
Walks details :  9am registration 10 am start . Hill of Tara to Newgrange, arrival 4pm approx . Entry € 50 including t-shirt and entry to Boyne Valley Midsummer Feast at Decoy Country Cottages.
             Half-walk :  11 am registration, 12 (at Ramparts); Navan to Slane, arrival 3pm approx. Entry €30 to include t-shirt and entry to Midsummer Feast.
             Boyne Valley Food Series Midsummer Feast : from 6pm to 9pm at  Decoy Country Cottages. Admission €20 ( Free to walkers ) 
See Facebook ' A Midsummer Walk for the Homeless 2018' or www.decoycountycottages.ie to register online. 
How can you help ?
            Book your tickets and join us on the walk. See Facebook ' A Midsummer Walk for the Homeless 2018' or www.decoycountycottages.ie and register online.
            Ask Conor for a sponsorship card. This is a great way to raise additional funds. 
            Volunteer your help. We need minibuses or cars to bring walkers home. We also need help at registration and water stations. No offer refused !
            Sponsor the walk ...we will promote your business and you will be helping PMV. 
            Spread the word....like and share the event. Form a group and bring your friends. Make a Midsummer day of it !