One man, one mountain, one mission: Rowing 42km for Gaza

On September 20, Ken McDonald will carry a 26kg rowing machine up Carrauntoohil and row a full 42km marathon at the summit—all to raise funds for UNICEF and the children of Gaza.

A world and Irish rowing champion, Ken is no stranger to endurance challenges. But this one is deeply personal. As a father of two, the images of starving, grieving children in Gaza have hit hard. “I wanted to do something that would capture the imagination,” he says. “Something meaningful.”

This isn’t Ken’s first extreme fundraiser. In 2020, he raised €42,000 for Make-A-Wish by rowing at the same peak. But this time, he’s doubling the distance.

Ken, who lives in Moneygall and teaches at Templemore Garda College, will have a support team with him as he tackles the climb and summit row. The event comes just days after he competes in the World Masters Regatta in Spain.

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Though reluctant to get political, Ken says Ireland’s vocal stance on Gaza has been a source of pride. He’s raising money for UNICEF because, he says, “They’re one of the few organisations still getting aid in. Supporting them is the only real way people like me can help.”

UNICEF estimates nearly 20,000 children have died in Gaza since the war began. That staggering figure is why Ken is pushing himself to the limit.

The people of Moneygall have rallied behind him, a testament to the community spirit he’s proud to be part of. Now, he’s inviting the rest of us to step up too.

Donate here:
www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/KennethMcdonald12