Meath communities come out in force to show support for inspirational Charlie Bird
The wet start to the morning didn’t put a dampener to the 200 people that turned out for the Climb With Charlie event at Girley Bog earlier today.
The idyllic location in County Meath saw people coming out to support Charlie Bird in aid of the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association and Pieta.
Trim Man Ronan Gargan organised the walk and over 1,900 euros was raised for both charities.
The bog walks concluded just around the same time Charlie himself reached the peak of Croagh Patrick to a tumultous reception. His fundraising initiative has seen over E1m raised nationally so far for Pieta House and the IMND Association.
Ronan said that he was delighted with the turn out and it was great to see so many people coming out on the day.
Among those walking was Meath East TD Darren O'Rourke who said it was great to see people out supporting such a worth cause and he extended his best wishes to Charlie.
“ I was delighted that the weather stayed dry after a few showers earlier in the morning and people from all over the county came out to support this brilliant cause.”
“Everyone that came out spoke about how Charlie’s determination was what got them out on the day and his legacy for being such a formidable force in journalism for over forty years and raising so much money at the same time as he battles his diagnosis is just amazing.”
“Fair play to Charlie and all who have climbed Croagh Patrick and all the many others that have attended events across the country in aid of these wonderful charities.”
“I would also like to acknowledge the inspirational Vicky Phelan who messaged me on the eve of the event here at Girley to wish everyone taking part the very best. She told me that after a few rough weeks she is feeling much better and I wished many more good days ahead for her .”
Elsewhere, hundreds gathers in Slane and Collon for early morning walks while GAA clubs including Drumconrath, Donore and Dunderry holding special walking events.