More than €29,000 raised by Mulryan Memorial Challenge

THE final total of funds raised from the Mulryan Memorial Challenge over the summer has been tallied, with the event raising a massive €29,770.
The challenge, inspired by the memory of the late Garda Mike Mulryan, saw a group of mainly East Clare people attack the world renowned Croagh Patrick in County Mayo.
Garda Mulryan’s life was tragically cut short in January of this year when he lost a brave battle with cancer. The idea for the challenge came about when a group of his friends, in consultation with his family, wanted to honour his memory in a fitting way.  Funds raised from the challenge went to Milford Hospice, where Garda Mulryan was cared for in his final days.
Sgt Joe Fallon, one of the organisers told us, “We certainly didn’t expect to raise so much money and we are delighted that the fundraising has gone so well. We didn’t set out to hold a major fundraising event, primarily this was a celebration of the life of a decent man. So we are absolutely thrilled that so many people came on board and got involved in helping raise funds for such a worthy cause.”
The challenge had two aspects to it, with the first being to reach the summit of Croagh Patrick. However, other more adventurous challengers cycled from Maam Cross to Murrisk at the base of the mountain.
After months of preparing, June 27 saw people from all walks of life, from the young to the young at heart, turn out for the challenge.
More than 200 climbers took on the daunting task of making the 2,500 foot ascent of Croagh Patrick. More than 70 people turned up with their bikes to Maam Cross for the cycle, with 50 people deciding to take on the ultimate challenge and do the cycle as well as the massive climb.
“So many people came out on the day, it really was a huge success and we wanted to acknowledge all of the hard work that everybody involved put in to the challenge. There were so many people involved and there were no injuries or accidents for such a big challenge, it really went well,” said Sgt Fallon.
While the challenge was a huge success for the organisers, there are no plans to make this an annual event. However, the organisers will continue to raise funds and remember their friend Garda Mulryan.
“The challenge was a very special event but we couldn’t have it every year. How can you celebrate a man’s life twice? How could you follow on from that? Something will be organised but not to the same size or scale,” he said.