Letterkenny’s Catherine Carr will be climbing Carrauntoohil this week as part of a major fundraiser in loving memory of her partner, the late James McNeive, from Knock, Co. Mayo.
James lost his life at the age of 28 when he was involved in a fatal collision in Sligo while travelling home from visiting Letterkenny last August.
A talented footballer and primary school teacher, it was at his first teaching job in Glasnevin, Co Dublin, where James met his girlfriend Catherine.
From 24th-28th June, a core group of 30 dedicated climbers, including James’s family and former teammates from the local Aghamore GAA club where James played, will take on a hike of the five highest peaks across the UK and Ireland in a challenge called Summit for James.
James’s sister Fiona will also be among the 80 participants taking part in the Carrauntoohil climb this week.
A further 400 people are expected to support the Croagh Patrick climb with Parish Priest Fr. Richard Gibbons giving a blessing at the summit. The final climb on Croagh Patrick in James’s home county will include architect and TV personality Dermot Bannon.
Remembering James, cherished by his pupils, their parents and colleagues in the schools where he taught, Dermot Bannon said, “James was an amazing person and was special to our family, as he was my son’s teacher.”
The Summit for James – 5 Peak Challenge will raise funds for several worthy causes which were close to James’s heart including the Irish Kidney Association, the charity chosen as his younger brother, Matthew, age 27, has spent his entire twenties on dialysis while waiting for a second kidney transplant.
Matthew plans to take on three of the five mountain peaks as part of this 5-day event. For two of the days, Matthew will have to attend dialysis treatment at Beaumont Hospital, yet he remains committed to pushing forward with three of the climbs.
Lending their support to raise awareness of the challenge with their large social media followings are Mayo man Garron Noone, Irish professional golfer Leona Maguire, and Arsenal football legend Paul Merson, a particularly meaningful gesture, as James and his late father Pete were lifelong Arsenal supporters. There will be live link updates from each of the mountains to local Mid-West radio presenter Tommy Marren during his morning show, with the final summit broadcast live back to the station, as Tommy himself joins the climb.
Anyone can join the challenge, whether they wish to climb, donate, or spread awareness. The event is self-funded, meaning participants cover their own costs. This ensures that 100% of funds raised will go directly to charity. While honouring James’s memory, the goal is to raise in excess of €50,000 through the online fundraising platform, https://www.idonate.ie/crowdfunder/James5PeakChallenge
The challenge began on 24th June with Ben Nevis, in Scotland (1,345 metres), followed by Scafell Pike in northern England (978 metres), then to Snowdon in Wales (1,085 metres). On the fourth day, the challenge will continue back home to Ireland, for the country’s highest peak, Carrauntoohil, Co Kerry (1,038 meters).
The challenge will culminate with a final ascent of Croagh Patrick in Co. Mayo. Although not as high as the other peaks, after four consecutive days of climbing, it will pose its own challenge, and serves as a fitting, symbolic end to the journey in James’s beloved home county.
As a tribute, his family has founded the James McNeive Foundation to support charities that reflect his values and passions including the Irish Kidney Association which advocates for kidney patients like his brother Matthew.
The Summit for James – 5 Peak Challenge will raise funds for several charities including Make-A-Wish Ireland, Daisy Lodge, Mayo Mindspace, Irish Heart Foundation, the Irish Kidney Association, and numerous local schools and sports clubs where James made his mark including Aghamore NS, Ballyhaunis NS, Barnacarroll NS, Bekan NS, Gortskehy NS, Knock NS, St. Louis Community School, Tooreen NS, Glasnevin NS, Aghamore GAA, Eastern Gaels GAA.
TO DONATE visit: https://www.idonate.ie/
