Two Athlone-based gardaí are currently halfway through an epic kayak journey from the bottom to the top of Ireland in aid of charity.
Showing a solidarity that will not be seen on the third Sunday of this month, Danny Murphy from Kerry and Gary Butler from Dublin set off from Mizen Head on August 22 for the three-week paddle to the northernmost tip of Ireland at Malin Head in Donegal for the Irish Cancr Society and Console.
The two men are members of the Garda sub-aqua unit based in Athlone, and raised nearly €4,000 through a social media campaign before they even set off. This is expected to rise as they get closer to their destination.
For six months the duo has been planning maps, rest areas, calculating tides and training at least three times a week.
“The Irish Cancer Society and Console are very worthy causes and we would very much appreciate the support we have received to date. We have planned to complete the trip within 20 days and will be camping along the route,” said Danny.
Anyone who wishes to make a donation to the Irish Cancer Society can visit www.mycharity.ie/event/sea_kayak_mizen_to_malin and www.mycharity.ie/event/sea_kayak_mizen_to_malin_hd to donate to Console, a national organisation offering support and bereavement counselling for people affected by suicide.
