Ladies Gaelic football club in Mayo to attempt world record solo run
Achill Ladies GAA are getting ready for special charity fundraiser that will see club football players undertake a remarkable challenge in support of two great causes.
On Saturday, August 31, the players will attempt to set a new world record by soloing 49 kilometers along the stunning backdrop of the Great Western Greenway from Westport to Achill Island, all in aid of Croí - the West of Ireland Heart and Stroke Charity, and Achill Ladies GAA.
This ambitious world record attempt for the longest distance soloed is more than just a display of athletic endurance and skill; it’s a heartfelt effort to raise funds for both causes.
Packie McGinty, Achill Ladies GAA chairman, explained: “After experiencing heart trouble myself earlier this year, I was reminded of how precious life is and how important it is to take care of our hearts. This event is our way of giving back, by raising awareness and funds for heart health while also supporting the future of our club.”
The event kicks off at 10 a.m. in Westport, at the start of the Great Western Greenway, with the players expected to arrive in Achill at approximately 4.30 p.m.
On the day, Croí will host a community health event at the Achill GAA clubhouse from 1 to 5 p.m. Their mobile health unit will offer free blood pressure and pulse checks, along with crucial information and advice on stroke prevention and heart health. This is open to the public and everyone in the community is invited to drop by and get a check.
“We are thrilled to be part of this incredible event with Achill Ladies GAA,” said Mark O'Donnell, CEO of Croí. “The funds raised will go directly towards our mission to fight heart disease and stroke in the west of Ireland, and we’re very grateful to Achill Ladies GAA for selecting Croí as the beneficiary from this event. Our team are really excited to bring our mobile health unit to the community to provide free health checks and advice.”
The day will also feature an underage fun day for children at the Achill GAA pitch, running concurrently with Croí’s health checks. Families are invited to bring their kids along for a day of fun and games, and they can pop into the mobile health unit while they are there. The celebration will continue into the evening with a night out at Óstán Oiléan Acla (Alice’s) in Achill.
The funds raised through this event will have a lasting impact on both Achill Ladies GAA and Croí. For the club, the financial support will enable the continuation and expansion of its activities, providing resources for training, equipment and facilities that will benefit current and future players. For Croí, the donations will support their ongoing efforts to combat heart disease and stroke, helping to save lives and improve health outcomes in communities across the west of Ireland.
Achill Ladies GAA invites everyone to join them for this extraordinary day. Whether by sponsoring the event, donating, participating in the fun day, getting a Croí health check or joining up at the start and finish lines, your support will make a huge difference. For more information or to make a donation, see the Achill Ladies GAA Facebook page or visit the iDonate page.