Nobber mother's Greenway challenge for local school

A woman from Limerick. A Greenway. An idea ... that’s how it happened. Bridget McCormack was looking for a way to raise some funds for the local primary school in Nobber, Scoil Eoin Báiste. She knew it would have to be a little bit wild and a little bit outrageous. And that it was.

She took on a 50km challenge, in her Army fatigues, with her backpack, and her boots, in aid of the school that her children attend.

She started early and used Nobber as the centre. Setting off with some of her team mates from the Nobber Ladies team, she made a line for Park Beo, Wilkinstown. It was a little foggy, but that was fine. She knew the day was only going to get hotter!

One of the teachers headed off to meet her before 9am, while a lot of the school families also headed as far as Spiddal to make the first run back to the Railway Station in Nobber.

The cheers and roars for her as she made her way back to the platform could be heard all round the parish. From Cloughmacoo to Preston Vale, from Arrigal to Possextown. The children running along side her. In awe.

A pit stop at the platform to get some food and water on board. Knowing there was still 20km ahead of her, and the day was heating up. The children cheered her on her way, anticipating their return later in the day.

And she was off. Fueled and heading for Kilmainhamwood with Gerry by her side, she knew she was over half way there. She had a crowd waiting for her in the Wood. their words of encouragement ringing in her ears and she kept on for Kingscourt, knowing that the Wood was only a stop gap - she needed to go further.

The buzz in the school was amazing. Everyone waiting, listening. For a text or a call to let us know how it was going. Anticipating the final leg that they would all go and join her for.

And so the call came. She had had her iced latte in the Wood. She was on the way. With the Fire Brigade in tow. The Fire Brigade, not to be outdone, also in their gear. And boots. In the heat.

The children from the school bet a path over to get onto the Greenway and started making their way up towards the Forge, and beyond. Finally we got a glimpse, in the hazy sunshine. It was her. Full of chat we made our way back to the village with hoards of children and adults cheering her on. The atmosphere was electric. You could feel the buzz in the air as everyone marvelled at what this amazing woman from the Treaty county had done for our small school.

There are no words for her achievement. Once everyone had had an ice cream and had a minute to think, there were still no words. The buzz of the event will live on for a long time in the memories of those who gathered to experience it. The party bags, the ice cream, the sunshine. That’s what some will remember.

The final tally has come in and Bridget has raised €5605. Everyone in the school, staff, families, children, says a massive thank you to Bridget and all who helped! We are #smallbutmighty!

An Obair Abú!