Pensioner to repeat charity run from Ballybunion to Limerick 20 years later

PATRICK Scanlan is looking toward to the 20th anniversary of one of the most meaningful days of his life - the run from Ballybunion to Limerick on December 17, 2005.

Patrick, aged 65, of Loughill said he is reminded of Seamus Heaney’s wisdom, “When you have a great harvest you are obliged to share it with your neighbours”.

READ NEXT: Local business announces outdoor Limerick Christmas fair in Medieval Quarter

“This year, I feel privileged to attempt the journey once again - 20 years on - not for the feat itself, but for the opportunity to support three remarkable charities: Kolkata Calling, The Arthur McCluskey Foundation, and Chernobyl Children International,” said Patrick, who will leave Ballybunion at 6am this Saturday, December 13 and head for Limerick city.

Back in 2005, through people’s incredible generosity, Patrick raised €33,000. 

“Of that, €9,000 came directly from bucket collections along the route. Those familiar buckets will return this year as I cover the 52 miles from Ballybunion to Limerick on Saturday. If you happen to be along the N69 that day, I’d be honoured if you felt comfortable stopping to drop a coin into the bucket.

“The run will begin in Ballybunion at 6:00am and finish on the Dock Road in Limerick city later that afternoon. Anyone who would like to walk or run even 100 yards or more is warmly welcome to join me at any stage along the way. Your kindness and support would mean so much once again,” said Patrick.

In 2006, he says he was fortunate to see the impact of generosity firsthand in Kolkata, witnessing the rehoming of street children and elderly people living in extreme hardship. 

“I also travelled to Bosnia and Herzegovina and Medjugorje with the Arthur McCluskey Foundation, where I saw communities still recovering from a war that claimed over 100,000 lives and left millions homeless. Their work in poverty relief and education carried out with a deep respect for diverse religions and cultures was profoundly moving.

“And, of course, the extraordinary compassion of Adi Roche and her team at Chernobyl Children International, who continue nearly four decades after the disaster to support children and families whose lives have been irrevocably affected. Their annual tradition of bringing children to Ireland at Christmas remains a beacon of hope for many,” said Patrick, who reflects sadly that two of their team leaders are no longer with us.

He said the memory and kindness of Ita Hannon and Arthur McCluskey to him and the rest of the team will be foremost on his mind with every step he takes on Saturday.

“I would like to personally mention with sincere gratitude my dear friend  John Flynn who was the brainchild of this whole event back in 2005 and who is still running well,” concludes Patrick.

For a sponsorship card contact 089 4688621 or donate via bank account IBAN: IE27 BOFI 9044 9917 004227