Offaly Woman backs '100km in 30 Days' as Keating Foundation launches national fundraiser
Birr's Dearbhaile O'Hare, a Marie Keating Foundation ambassador and cancer survivor has lent her support to the new challenge
Birr's Dearbhaile O'Hare, a Marie Keating Foundation ambassador and cancer survivor, has lent her support to the Foundation's flagship fundraising challenge, 100km in 30 Days.
Dearbhaile attended the launch to show her support for the campaign and the Foundation's work, highlighting the importance of community-led initiatives that bring people together while supporting those affected by cancer.
Dearbhaile joined the Marie Keating Foundation's Survive and Thrive Programme in 2023 after completing treatment for breast cancer, which was diagnosed with in 2021. Exercise played a vital role in her recovery, leading her to retrain as a Cancer Exercise Specialist.
She has also published Things Went Tits Up, a candid and often humorous book supporting others through cancer, with proceeds benefiting the Marie Keating Foundation and Purple House Cancer Support.
Speaking at the launch of the fundraiser challenge, Dearbhaile said: "Exercise became such a big part of my life during and after treatment. Now I help others whether it's preparing for surgery, getting through chemo, or rebuilding strength afterwards."
She added: "Movement really is medicine, and I'd encourage everyone to get involved in the 100km in 30 Days challenge this June. It's a simple way to support an incredible cause while doing something positive for your own health too."
The Marie Keating Foundation, founded by singer Ronan Keating and his siblings following the loss of their mother 28 years ago, is calling on people across Ireland to walk, run, wheel or move 100km this June, just over 3km a day, in support of vital, free cancer services nationwide.
Picture: Ali Keating, Jack Keating and Missy Keating at the official launch
Radio presenter Jack Keating stated: "It’s an honour to be here today and to support something that means so much to our family. Our Nanny’s legacy is incredibly important to us, and it’s very special to see how the Foundation set up in her name now supports thousands of people in communities across Ireland every year. Cancer affects so many families, and we know how much it can impact people’s lives."
Speaking at the launch, Liz Yeates, CEO of the Marie Keating Foundation, said: "We know that cancer will affect one in two people in Ireland in their lifetime. That’s a reality that touches every family, every community, every workplace. The return of ‘100km in 30 Days’ is incredibly important for us, not just as a fundraiser, but as a national movement that brings people together in support of those navigating a cancer diagnosis."
She continued: "Every kilometre completed this June will help us continue to provide free, life-saving services to those who need them most. We are asking people across Ireland to take part in whatever way they can – because together, every step makes a very real difference.”
100km in 30 Days was founded by Louth couple Niall Carroll and Cara McAdam in 2020, after Cara was diagnosed with breast cancer. An avid runner, Cara continued to run throughout her treatment, inspiring the creation of the challenge.
For 2026, 100km in 30 Days returns with a new focus, now supporting all common cancer types and reflecting the Marie Keating Foundation’s work with individuals and families across every stage of a cancer journey.
Niall Carroll, co-founder of 100km in 30 Days expressed: "It’s incredibly special to see ‘100km in 30 Days’ enter this next chapter with the Marie Keating Foundation. What started as a simple idea to get people moving and support those affected by cancer has grown into something much bigger than I ever imagined."
Niall also touched on how the collaboration will bring the challenge to a wider audience which will continue to help others. "I’m genuinely proud of what’s been built and, more importantly, the community behind it. Handing over the baton to the Marie Keating Foundation means the 100K in 30 Days will continue to grow and inspire even more people across Ireland to get involved and make a real difference.”
Participants can take part individually or as part of a team, whether with family, friends, colleagues, or local clubs. The challenge is designed to be inclusive and flexible, making it accessible to people of all ages and abilities.
The Foundation is aiming to mobilise thousands of participants nationwide this June, creating visible momentum across towns, clubs, workplaces, and schools, as communities come together to support one another.