Coast-to-Coast Challenge 2008 to raise funds for Dublin Simon Community

In the early 1860s four young men left their family's smallholding in the West of Ireland and set out to walk to Dublin. This was the first leg of a journey that brought them to New Zealand, where they found themselves at the centre of an extraordinary story. Nearly a 150 years later author John Mulligan, ex Retail Staff, set out to walk the same route in reverse and in doing so he found time to consider the story of the four Flannerys and their achievements. This is not just his story but theirs as well and even by modern-day standards it is an amazing tale.

In September 2007, John Mulligan and a group of hikers set out on the 188 mile journey from Dublin to Mayo along the banks of the Royal Canal, passing through eight counties to their final destination in Newport, Mayo. Their efforts raised a total of more than €35,000 for the work of the Simon Community. As well as John, Nuala Scanlon from ESB Networks was one of the people who completed the challenge.

Dublin Simon is delighted to announce that John Mulligan will lead the challenge once again in 2008, giving you the chance to walk the walk and raise vital funds for the Dublin Simon Community.

So if you are looking for a challenge, a fun group event, to walk through some amazing scenic routes in Ireland, to help a charity or if you just like walking, e-mail fundraising@dubsimon.ie, or contact Kelly on (01) 671 5551 to find out more on the Coast to Coast Challenge 2008.

More information can also be found on www.fourflannerys.com or on www.dubsimon.ie.