Packie's climb in memory of Maura raises thousands for two worthy organisations

Between 250 and 300 people climbed Errigal mountain last Saturday morning to raise money for the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association and an hálla mór in Dungloe. 

The event, Packie's climb in memory of Maura, has raised thousands for both organisations.  

Packie said: "It was just packed. People came from everywhere. The community spirit is well and truly alive in the Rosses - we had great support - we couldn't have asked for better."

Packie lost his loving and generous-hearted wife Maura to Motor Neurone Disease Association a year last Christmas so the event meant a lot to the Arranmore native. 

Maura raised over €114,000 for Motor Neurone Disease Association by organising a host of different events during her lifetime. 

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Everyone's generosity touched Packie's heart. The local GAA team Club CLG an Clochán Liath and the Strand Rovers, where Packie managed for a tenure, stood as guard of honour to him. 

"The wind was horrendous on the day but safety was the most important thing for all concerned," Packie said. 

The Dungloe GAA club went to different points on the mountain to help guide people along in a safe and responsible manner: "There was such an effort from everybody - people just wanted to contribute. People were amazing."

The money raised will be divided equally between an hálla mór and the Motor Neurone Disease Association. 

An hálla mór was a venue where Maura spent a lot of her time having shared a long affiliation with the Dungloe marching band. 

Maura was a member of the band from 1972 when it was known as the 'wee marching band.'

Marian their daughter would later become leader of the the Rosses band. Unfortunately Marian, who lives in England and her brother Ciaran, currently living in upstate New York were unable to make it on the day but were given live updates by social media savvy friends and family. 

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You can contribute to the gofundme event: Packie's climb in memory of Maura, by clicking here.