All Ireland winners on the march in Galway for '100,000 Steps for Cormac'
Galway's 1980 All Ireland winning captain Joe Connolly will be among those partaking in the '100,000 Steps for Cormac' challenge. Cormac Connolloy, Joe's nephew, was just 24 years old when he died of an inoperable brain tumour in 2011.
Many of the biggest names in the GAA’s history will be out in force in Galway to support a €100,000 fundraising drive for Pieta House with a number of charity walks.
The ‘100,000 Steps for Cormac’ fundraising walk was launched by the GAA President Liam O’Neill last month in memory of 24 year-old Cormac Connolly of Castlegar, who bravely lost a three-year battle with cancer in July 2011 following an inoperable brain tumour.
'100,000 Steps for Cormac' was set up by Cormac’s family and friends and will see Galway’s All Ireland winning clubs and senior county teams, as well as more than 60 living All Ireland winning captains partake in three days of walking right around the county.
Hurling legends such DJ Carey, Anthony Daly and Clare’s All Ireland winning captain from last year Patrick Donnellan will be among the sporting heroes to walk in Cormac’s honour to acknowledge his determination, courage and dignity in his fight for life.
The objective of the event is to raise a €100,000 for Pieta House by getting 100 individuals, clubs or businesses to pledge €500.00 each to Pieta House and 2,500 walkers to participate in any of the walks along the routes for a €20.00 donation. All proceeds going to Pieta House the suicide and self-harm crisis centre which provides free of charge one-to-one therapeutic services for people who are experiencing suicidal thoughts or engaging in self-harm.
Cormac’s uncle Joe Connolly, Galway’s All Ireland winning captain in 1980 is looking forward to the unique occasion.
“An event like this has never taken place in Galway in the history of GAA and will be a monumental occasion for all,” he said.
Mary Connolly, Cormac’s mother, has said the fundraiser will go some way to helping ensure other families never go through the pain that engulfed her family.
“As a family left with the devastating aftermath of losing a son and a brother through cancer, we were keen to work with a charity have the opportunity to prevent families from going through the pain and suffering of losing a loved one.”
“If ‘100,000 Steps for Cormac’ could save a family from the pain and heartache of losing a loved one, it would be a wonderful legacy to Cormac,” she added.
Beginning on Thursday with ‘Walk With The Clubs’, the three-day memorial walk will cover a total of 88km and further information can be found by clicking here.
