Moylagh JFK 50-Mile Walk: A Record-Breaking Year of Generosity
The annual Moylagh JFK 50-Mile Walk celebrated its most successful year to date with a special presentation evening held at Teddy's Bar on Saturday, 5th July. The air was filled with pride as the incredible fundraising total was unveiled.
Seamus Maxwell, a key committee member and marshalling lead for the walk, announced a phenomenal €209,534 had been raised – the highest amount ever achieved by the event! This remarkable figure pushes the total raised over the past 14 years to an astounding €1,573,505. This is a truly significant accomplishment, one that the entire Moylagh Community and the dedicated committee can be immensely proud of.
During the presentation, significant contributions were made to vital organizations:
•Tilly Grall, a committee member, proudly presented a cheque for €167,628 to Sarah Vallaire of the Irish Cancer Society
•Lakelands Area Retreat & Cancer Centre (LARCC) received €20,953, presented by committee member Mary Garry to Bernie McHugh of LARCC
•The same amount, €20,953, was presented to Westmeath Palliative Care by committee member Paul Foley, accepted by Margaret Claffey.
The evening also shone a spotlight on the extraordinary efforts of individual and team fundraisers. The Individual Award went to Angela Madden, who single-handedly raised an incredible €35,670. This substantial sum was allocated to three charities: Moylagh JFK, Keeley D Palliative Care (a service specifically established to support children and families facing unimaginable challenges), and CUAN (a counselling service). Angela and her family walked in memory of their son, Colin, who tragically passed away from a brain tumour in 2022 just short of his 13th birthday. Their family's dedication serves as a powerful example of strength and compassion.
The Team Award was proudly claimed by Conor Madden & Co. raised €11,440.Conor has been a stalwart supporter of our walk, personally raising over €30,000 in the last three years before this year's impressive team effort.
These individuals are genuinely inspirational, as were all the dedicated walkers and runners who participated in the early June event. The committee wishes to extend its deepest gratitude to every single person who contributed – whether by walking, running, donating, volunteering, or offering support – making the 2025 walk an astounding success.
Johnny Guirke, Chairman of the Moylagh JFK Walk, eloquently summarized the evening's sentiment: "It's a testament to the enduring generosity and dedication of the Irish community, particularly across Meath, Cavan, and Westmeath."