Next week, two men will undertake an audacious challenge in aid of Jigsaw Donegal and Pieta House North West.
Called the “Circuit of Donegal”, it involves seven events over seven days, from June 11th through 17th.
Two years ago, these two men, Joe Coyle from Mountcharles and Thomas Given from Copany, undertook a three-day challenge called Go4Pieta, which raised €56,000 for Pieta House North West.
Now they are planning to go even further.
Below is their gruelling schedule.
Day One
Cycle from Mountcharles to Muff (circa 90 kilometers) via Donegal Town, Ballybofey/Stranorlar, Convoy, Raphoe, St. Johnston, Carrigans, Killea, the Strand Road and on to Muff.
As non-cyclists the distance makes this a significant challenge with Barnesmore gap and the climb out of it being the most difficult part.
Day Two
Part 1 Walk initially from Muff to Buncrana (circa 16 kilometers) over the shoulder of Scalp Mountain (total height gain circa 320 meters)
Take the ferry across the Swilly to Rathmullen
Part 2 Walk from Rathmullen to Milford (circa 13 Kilometers and 200 meters height gain)
Day Three
Kayak from the old Milford Bakery site on the Milford to Kerrykeel Road to Meevagh Boatyard on the Rosguill Peninsula.
This is a particularly difficult challenge due mainly to the lack of Kayaking experience among the participants.
Success will also be dependent on tides, weather wind etc.
Joe Coyle
Day Four
Walk seven beaches along the beautiful north coast of Donegal.
Starting with the Murder Hole Beach on the northern end of the Rosguill peninsula followed by Trabeg, between Downings Pier and the Rosapenna Hotel, Tramore, from the Rosapenna Hotel out along the old Tom Morris golf course, along the Boardwalk to Cun na Ri, Marble Hill, over looked by the Shandon Hotel, Killyhowey, on the seaward side of Dunfanaghy Golf Course, Falcarragh Beach from the eastward carpark to Ballyness Pier and finally Magheraroarty Beach looking out at Inishbofin Island.
Day Five
Walk Seven Islands. This is completely weather-dependent and the plan may change on the day.
Inishbofin, Tory, Inishmean, Gola, Owey, Aranmore and Inishfree.
Day Six
As this is a “Circuit” of Donegal, the land nearest to Inishfree is Maghery Dungloe so the plan on Day Six is to walk from Maghery Dungloe to Maghery Ardara (circa 40 kilometers) via Gweebarra, Maas, Tully and Ardara
Day Seven
Cycle from Maghery Ardara back to Mountcharles via The Nick, Killybegs and Dunkineely.
The Purpose?
To raise funds for Jigsaw Donegal and Pieta North West, to make a positive contribution, to inspire others to contribute and/or achieve more, to stimulate the mental health conversation and to stretch the envelope once again.
Thomas Given
How can you help?
A massive Bucket Collection will take place on Saturday June 16th and Sunday June 17th in aid of these two charities. We urgently need to hear from people who can help either organise or help with these bucket collections in various locations around the county.
Plans are in motion to organise “Circuit of Donegal” fundraising events in Downings and Arranmore Island on the Wednesday and Thursday evenings respectively.
Sponsorship cards and Money Boxes are also available. Donations can be made
directly on https://give.everydayhero.com/ie and search for Circuit of Donegal
Links….
Circuit of Donegal on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/Circuit-of-Donegal-683878208670165/
Donate on Everyday Hero page
https://give.everydayhero.com/ie/circuit-of-donegal-pieta-house-nw-jigsaw-donegal
Jigsaw Donegal
https://www.jigsaw.ie/jigsaw_donegal/
Pieta House North West
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