Successful fund-raising walk in memory of Cork native who died in Offaly

THE organisers of Conor's Walk, in memory of Conor O'Hagan, a Cork native who died in Tullamore, did it! But it has to be said, it was so much harder than in 2019! Perhaps because they are all four years older or perhaps because they were a little too complacent and did not train as hard this time?

However, at the end of the day, what matters is, they achieved their goals in terms of walking the 105km and the money they raised.  Currently, the total raised stands at almost €2,200.

Once again, they were extremely lucky with the weather, with regular showers on the Sunday morning but the rest of the three days were dry with plenty of sunshine.

As in 2019, they were joined on day one (Saturday, April 29) by Kyran O'Gorman, a Galway native who had met and helped Conor during his time in that city. Kyran walked as far a Craughwell (25km). He enjoyed it so much, he also came back for the last few kilometres along the Grand Canal into Tullamore on the Monday.

On the final day (Monday, May 1), Jim Longworth of Tullamore town, who had met and showed great kindness to Conor back in 2015, joined the walkers at Pollagh to walk the last 16km back to his home town. Logistics manager and 'bag man' Geoff O'Hagan was also an integral part of the team and the organisers would not have been able to do it without him.

Along the way, walkers met some lovely people and even received a few cash donations. Huge thanks go to Ann and Tim Gardiner of Cartron House Farm, who put the walkers up, free of charge and Ann even got up very early on Sunday morning to make sure they were fed before leaving at 8am. The Pollagh Community shop once again did the walkers proud, making tea and sandwiches (enough for a football team, despite there only being four walkers) and so theywere fully re-fuelled for the final leg.

On arriving in Tullamore, they were met by friends and family and made a visit to the King Oak, to remember Conor at what became his 'home' for much of his time there. The evening was spent in John Lee's bar (many thanks to John for his help and hospitality) and walkers were treated to some superb music from the ex Scanlon's (Newmarket) music night regulars, Geoff O'Hagan (aka KB Violet), Dylan Fitzgerald and Gwen Boyle. Local Tullamore musician Gavin Ghee joined them for the final hour of a very enjoyable night. It has to be said, Conor would have loved it!

The accommodation on the final night was sponsored by Ayrton Group and for that the walkers are very grateful.

A special mention also to Donal O'Driscoll of Clonakilty, who ran the Great Limerick Run Half Marathon on the Sunday (April 30), whilst the walkers were walking from Loughrea to Ballinasloe. He also ran in memory of Conor and the wlak organisers were delighted to have him as part of the team.

You can see pictures from the three days at www.conors-walk on the News and Updates page.