Charity fundraising trek held in memory of popular Aghyaran man

A COMMUNITY on the border between Tyrone and Donegal have organised a walk in memory of a much-missed local footballer, Joe Gallen, which will raise money for two charities that support people affected by Motor Neurone Disease (MND) and suicide, respectively.

The Aghyaran man was an incredibly popular member of his community, earning much of his good reputation during an illustrious soccer career that seen him play with both Curragh Athletic FC and Blane Rovers.

On Saturday, April 2, his friends, family and former teammates will take part in the ‘Climb Barnes for Joe’ event, which has been organised as part of a wider fundraising initiative headed up by former RTÉ journalist, Charlie Bird, who was recently diagnosed with MND himself.

Charlie, along with his friends, family and supporters, will be climbing Croagh Patrick on April 2, and he has encouraged people across Ireland to join him in spirit by organising their own concurrent walks to raise money for two charities close to his heart – Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association and Pieta, Ireland’s national suicide prevention charity.

Only a few months ago, while Joe was still alive, a charity football match organised for him raised thousands of pounds and euros, which demonstrates the love that Joe enjoyed in life, and suggests that the Barnes Climb should be a well attended charity trek.

The climb which will take place in Donegal’s Bluestack Mountains, amid the slopes of the breathtaking Barnesmore Gap, starts at 10am and finishes at approximately 2pm (Joe’s family will take part in the climb at 11.30am).

The climb begins at the entrance to Meenbog Wind Farm on the N15 main Ballybofey to Donegal Town Road roadway, and parking facilities are available off the main road at the Wind Farm entrance.

The terrain underfoot will be medium to rough, so wear appropriate footwear, and the 10k round trek will begin just off the road, stretching all the way to the summit.

• Details on the climb and how to donate are available at www.idonate.ie/event/3317_climb-with-charlie.html