Tipperary urged to come out and support lone runner on gruelling 700km trek for Barnardos

Tipperary people are being urged to come out and support Monaghan native Emmett McAviney when takes on the gruelling challenge of running 700km from Malin Head to Mizen Head in aid of the children's charity Barbardos.  

The run is expected to take place over a 10-day period between June 28 and July 7.  The route covers 12 counties: Donegal, Derry, Tyrone, Monaghan, Cavan, Meath, Kildare, Carlow, Kilkenny, Tipperary and Cork.  

Speaking about why he is taking on the challenge, Emmet said “Barnardos do such good work with families across Ireland that people don’t realise. I know there are thousands of families across Ireland who are struggling. No matter how tough the run is going to be, there are so many families in Ireland that know the real meaning of 'tough' when they struggle every day to provide for their children.’ 

When it comes to his training regime, the 48-year-old father of three, now living in Kilkenny, said: "Training involved running at least five days a week, sometimes twice a day. I would try get at least three long runs (over 25km) done during the week. On a Saturday I would try and include the Kilkenny Park Run and with the beautiful backdrop of Kilkenny Castle, it has to be one of the best park runs in Ireland."

Emmet’s route will include stops at almost 30 GAA clubs over the 10 days and he is asking for support from club members to complete  part of the distance of this mammoth challenge with him and cheer him on.  

Emmet will be stopping off in Fethard GAA Club at 9.30am, Cahir GAA Club at 2pm and Galtee Gaels GAA Club at 6.30pm on Tuesday, July 4.

Barnardos director of fundraising Mary Gamble said: "Emmet is taking on such a huge challenge running 700km all in aid of Barnardos. We are incredibly grateful and will be cheering him every step of the way. All funds raised by Emmet will go towards helping vulnerable children across the country and ensuring they will have a better quality of life. Because childhood lasts a lifetime."