PICTURES: Tipperary family walks the length of Ireland for charity and Frances Ryan

This summer, Tipperary man Michael Tierney and his daughters, Caitlin and Zoe, embarked on a pilgrimage of endurance and devotion, walking from Mizen Head to Malin Head. Their journey honoured the late Frances Ryan and the more than sixty years of care she received from Avista, formerly the Daughters of Charity.

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Frances, a native of Athnid, County Tipperary, spent most of her life at Kilronan House in St Vincent’s Lisnagry, entering at the age of eight and remaining there until her passing in October 2024. Her life was quietly remarkable, shaped by the unwavering support of a charity that has spent over a century championing children and adults with autism and intellectual disabilities.

Since 1995, Respect has been Avista’s fundraising arm, providing for capital projects and equipment beyond the reach of HSE funding—ensuring those in Avista’s care can live their fullest, most dignified lives. In 2025 alone, Respect is helping improve the lives of over 3,000 children and adults across Dublin, Limerick, and North Tipperary–Offaly.

Moved by the compassion and dignity shown to Frances, Michael decided his family wanted to give back. “In Kilronan House, they really looked after Frances, especially before her passing. Seeing that care made us want to show our appreciation,” he told the Tipperary Star.

His daughters embraced the challenge with characteristic boldness. Caitlin, 16, a student at Ursuline Secondary School in Thurles, explained: “We said we’d go big or go home. That’s why we decided to walk the length of Ireland.” Ever the modern fundraiser, Caitlin also launched a TikTok campaign to chronicle their journey, amassing 10,000 likes and 30,000 views on their first video.

The Tierneys set off on 23 June and finished on 8 July, covering nearly 700 kilometres on foot—40 to 50 kilometres a day. Zoe, 12, favoured the stretch between Cahir and Thurles, but all three agree that the journey was about more than distance. It was about laughter by campfires, shared stories, and the generosity of strangers along the route. Together, they raised over €6,000 for Respect, supporting Avista.

“It was a great feeling crossing the line,” Michael reflected. “But the journey itself—camping together, walking with my daughters, meeting so many kind people—created memories that will last a lifetime.” Special thanks went to Tipp FM for the call-outs, and to Willie Dwan, Paudie Galvin, Connie Considine, and Paul Ellis for their unwavering support.

This photo gallery captures a family’s epic traverse of Ireland—a testament to love, resilience, and the power of giving back.

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