Longford man successfully climbs Croagh Patrick for bereavement charity

75 year old Killoe man Joseph ‘Papa Joe’ Leonard successfully completed his goal of climbing Croagh Patrick in aid of the bereavement charity, Féilicán, last weekend.

The beloved grandfather had originally wanted to do a skydive however upon heeding the advice of his doctor who warned him of the potential consequences including paralysis, he opted to complete the steep climb of The Reek instead.

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In addition to raising money, Joseph took on the challenge to honour the memory of his grandson Baby Mark Leonard, who sadly passed away just one hour after birth six years ago, and baby Chloe Whelan Fallon, who passed at just 8 days old almost 18 years ago, and was the granddaughter of his best friend, Vinny.

Joseph’s daughter Josephine, baby Mark’s mother, told the Longford Leader, “The climb went amazingly well. I have never been as proud of anyone in my life as I was of my dad. If anyone can say their dad is their hero, it’s definitely me. He is a truy amazing man. When mam passed away, he took on the role of mother and father and looked after us all. On the day of baby Mark’s funeral, he sat up at the top of the church with his arm around me. He has always looked out for me. To do this climb for baby Mark, he is definitely an exceptional man.”

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Josephine added, “The benefit night after the climb was a huge success and I am so grateful to everyone who came out and supported it. I particularly want to thank two outstanding women who helped us fundraise, Therese Kane, and Rachel Callaghan, both incredible women who gave so much of their time to helping.”

Days prior to the climb, Joseph had surpassed the 3K mark in fundraising. Following the benefit night which took place in the Mill Bar in Drumlish after the climb, the total is believed to be in the region of €4,500. All proceeds collected will go to Féileacáin, a not-for-profit charity that provides support to bereaved parents and families.