ART O NEILL CHALLENGE Event:
Date: 09-01-2009



HISTORICAL CHALLENGE THROUGH WICKLOW

So far I have raised:
€20,378.50

This fundraising page is now completed and it is no longer possible to sponsor this fundraiser via this fundraising page.
Money raised off-line: €10,500.00
Money raised on-line: €9,878.50

My Personal Message

HI EVERYONE,

THANK YOU TO ALL WHO HAVE REGISTERED TO WALK THE ROUTE AND THANK YOU TO EVERYONE FOR DONATING. WE ARE DOING WELL, LETS KEEP PUSHING ON AND RAISE MORE MONEY FOR THE STUART MANGAN APPEAL THROUGH THIS SITE AND OFFLINE WITH THE SPONSORSHIP CARDS!!!

VISIT WWW.ARTONEILLCHALLENGE.COM FOR A FULL RUN DOWN OF WHAT EVERYONE IS IN FOR, AND KEEP SUPPORTING!!!

TREK DISTANCE 55KM, MOSTLY AT NIGHT.

THIS CHALLENGE GOES FROM DUBLIN CASTLE TO GLENMALURE VALLEY IN CO.WICKLOW, RETRACING THE ROUTE TAKEN BY ART O NEILL AND RED HUGH O DONNELL WHEN THEY ESCAPED FROM DUBLIN CASTLE ON THE 6TH OF JANUARY 1592. ART EVENTUALLY PERISHED ON THE MOUNTAINS OF WICKLOW.

THE CHALLENGE IS OPEN TO ALL LEVELS OF WALKER AND SHOULD BE ACHIEVABLE FOR MOST. THOSE WHO WANT TO PARTICIPATE WILL HAVE THE OPTION TO BE GUIDED BY EXPERIENCED MOUNTAINEERS, WITH SUPPORT GIVEN EN ROUTE. HOWEVER, YOU CAN PARTICIPATE FROM THE COMFORT OF YOUR CHAIR BY DONATING TO THE STUART MANGAN APPEAL BY SIMPLY CLICKING ON THE "SPONSOR ME" LINK IN GREEN ON THE RIGHT.

THIS IS A NIGHT EVENT, BEGINNING AT MIDNIGHT WITH A PROJECTED FINISH TWELVE TO FOURTEEN HOURS LATER.

IN ADDITION TO THE TREK THERE WILL BE AN ULTRA RUNNING RACE ORGANISED WHICH WILL START AT 2AM, FOR THOSE FIT AND FAST ENOUGH TO RUN THE DISTANCE. THIS WILL BE AN ADDITIONAL EVENT ON THE ULTRA RUNNING CALENDAR AND FIRST OF ITS KIND IN IRELAND.

GATHERING AT 11.30PM ON THE 9TH OF JANUARY, THE CHALLENGE GROUP WILL DEPART AT MIDNIGHT FROM DUBLIN CASTLE.

THOSE WISHING TO BE PART OF THE CHALLENGE SHOULD CHECK OUT WWW.ARTONEILLCHALLENGE.COM WHICH WILL BE LIVE VERY SHORTLY, PLEASE BOOKMARK IT AND COME BACK TO REGISTER. THE WEBSITE WILL HAVE DETAILS OF HOW TO ENTER WITH FULL INFORMATION PACK AND KIT LIST

Here is a synopsis of the route with Grid References

After leaving Dublin Castle at midnight we'll make our way through the streets to Templeogue, Firhouse, Old Bawn, Ballinascorney Gap (Stone Cross), Kilbride Army Camp, and continuing on this long road to Kippure House at O:079 144. Heading down to the footbridge at O:085 139 we then ascend Ballinabrocky at O:081 130 and head for the beginning of the road at O:069 138 where we make our way to the road leading left to Ballynultagh Gap. Ascending Black Hill we then head over to O:051 076, then O:047 067 and down to Billy Byrne's Gap (O:043 067). Now it's over to O:034 060 and on to Glenbride (O:038 042). Following a track through some fields we'll then find ourselves on the Wicklow Gap road at O:034 033. Taking the forest track on the right (O:037 022) we make our way up to the Glenreemore brook, and then upwards along the brook to Art's 'grave' (T:037 992). Ascending by a ramp we reach Art's Cross at T:038 990. Crossing over to 3 Lakes we descend to the Avonbeg river at T:031 968. Following the river to a bridge, we follow Table Track downwards to Baravore ....and the finish

Please read a few words about the charity that I have chosen to support below. You can donate using the "sponsor me now" button below via credit or debit card. You can be assured that your transaction on the mycharity.ie website is very secure. You will automatically receive an e-mail from me thanking you for your support, and acknowledging the amount of your donation. Any donation no matter how small is hugely appreciated. Please feel free to pass this on to those who you think might be interested.

Many thanks in advance for your support,

GEAROID TOWEY AND THE ART O NEILL CHALLENGE TEAM

About my charity

Stuart Mangan Trust

Stuart Mangan, the 26 year old from Fermoy in Co. Cork, who suffered a severe spinal injury while playing rugby in London in April 2008, has sadly passed away.

He was taken to St Mary’s Hospital in Paddington, London on Thursday as a result of respiratory problems and passed away peacefully on Friday 7th August in the presence of his parents Brian and Una and his three brothers Keith, John and Barry.

During his short life Stuart showed incredible energy, enthusiasm and love for people. Since his accident he has inspired many with his courage and greatly increased his circle of friends. In this way, he has left us all a great legacy.

The family would like to thank all those who supported them during the last sixteen months especially his doctors, nurses and carers. The kindness and generosity shown by people has been simply amazing.

In response to Stuart’s wishes, his organs have been donated for the benefit of others.

In the near future, it will be decided by all those involved how best to honour Stuart’s memory.

Funeral arrangements will be announced on the website shortly.

                            May he rest in peace.



Click here for more information

My Online Sponsors to Date

Name Date Type Amount Comment
Aoife Aherne 05-02-2009 Donation €40.00 Congrats Martin - Aoife
Anonymous 02-02-2009 Donation €20.00 -
Francis Diver 23-01-2009 Donation €270.00 Sponsorship collected having completed the trek
Mark Conran 22-01-2009 Donation €770.00 Great event, thanks Gags!
Anonymous 18-01-2009 Donation €160.00 well done from everyone at Pearse Street Physio Clinic
Jonathan Moore 17-01-2009 Donation €20.00 Well done to all, Johnny.
Oisνn O'Grady 16-01-2009 Donation €30.00 Thanks to DCC Liberties Area Office for thier support, this is the last few bob of thier collection
Ian Kilcullen 16-01-2009 Donation €20.00 Well Done Jeffo
Brian Daly 14-01-2009 Donation €80.00 Participant
Anonymous 14-01-2009 Donation €40.00 -
Ruairi Holohan 13-01-2009 Donation €20.00 Gene Feighery
Anonymous 13-01-2009 Donation €50.00 Amazed that you all braved the cold!
Tom Milligan 13-01-2009 Donation €40.00 From Paul McQuillan & Damian the Sorter
Fiona Martin 13-01-2009 Donation €30.00 Well Done Gilli! Great job.
Enda Molloy 13-01-2009 Donation €20.00 -
Anonymous 13-01-2009 Donation €70.00 Volunteer
Richard Coakley 12-01-2009 Donation €50.00 Good work Gags
Pam Coleman 12-01-2009 Donation €15.00 From Pat and Sheila Roche
Mike Shelly 12-01-2009 Donation €20.00 For William Martin Smith and his choice to wander the hills of Wicklow upon a Friday evening ....
Catherine Gleeson 12-01-2009 Donation €45.00 Well done Aine! Talk about meeting the challenge - you even came away injured!
Gillian O'Connell 12-01-2009 Donation €20.00 Well done to Jeff Fitzsimons- . ...Congrats.
Anonymous 10-01-2009 Donation €50.00 Its a tough challenge in these conditions for a very good cause.
David Burke 10-01-2009 Donation €20.00 Sponsorship for Will Martin-Smith
Paul Dunkin 10-01-2009 Donation €20.00 -
Paul Dunkin 10-01-2009 Donation €20.00 -
Anonymous 10-01-2009 Donation €50.00 Well Done Willo. You did great.
Jamie Martin-Smith 10-01-2009 Donation €50.00 Sponsorship for William and Gillian Martin-Smith on the walk!
Anonymous 09-01-2009 Donation €20.00 on behalf of william "murt" martin-smith
Martin Harte 09-01-2009 Donation €10.00 On behalf of Claire Walsh
Martin Harte 09-01-2009 Donation €100.00 On behalf of Bridget Hughes
Anonymous 09-01-2009 Donation €50.00 -
Eugene Coakley 09-01-2009 Donation €50.00 -
Anonymous 09-01-2009 Donation €50.00 Good man Jeffo, don't get lost in Wicklow! I need my GPS back next week. :)
Eimear Farrell 09-01-2009 Donation €50.00 Participant - here's hoping our toes don't fall off with frostbite like Red Hugh O'Donnell's...
Zoe Keers 09-01-2009 Donation €20.00 Good luck Gags! xx
Daniel Mansergh 09-01-2009 Donation €20.00 Well done Neville
Bob Lawlor 09-01-2009 Donation €30.00 Best of luck tonight. Wish I was fit enough to join you.
Anonymous 09-01-2009 Donation €20.00 Eamon Quigley participant
Anonymous 09-01-2009 Donation €50.00 Great challenge - go for it and enjoy !!!
Monica Duggan 09-01-2009 Donation €10.00 Mary Mahon, go panties!
Monica Duggan 09-01-2009 Donation €50.00 Participant, why!!
Siobain Collins 09-01-2009 Donation €20.00 Good luck, hope you don't freeze out there!
Anonymous 09-01-2009 Donation €40.00 good luck gilli and will! you guys must be insane.....
Gaye Bothwell 08-01-2009 Donation €20.00 Have great fun you mad lot and hope it stays dry. Derek and Gaye
Anonymous 08-01-2009 Donation €20.00 Good Luck Will Martin Smith!!!
Padraigin Creen 08-01-2009 Donation €5.00 Best of Luck Will! Padraigin x
Ruth-Ann Shields 08-01-2009 Donation €5.00 Hey GIli and Will hope you have a fun night. Tis quite the challenge
Anonymous 08-01-2009 Donation €20.00 Gilli Martin-Smith
Rosaleen Martin 08-01-2009 Donation €20.00 Good luck to Gilli Martin Smith! Good on you for doing this insanely long walk!
Barry Minnock 08-01-2009 Donation €20.00 Sorry I can't make the event (family party). Sounds like it's already exceeding expectations!
Anonymous 07-01-2009 Donation €20.00 Good Luck Emer & Fi! Sounds like you will have a fun night. Ross
Niamh Hanrahan 07-01-2009 Donation €100.00 Well done Avril and Gags
benito escalada 06-01-2009 Donation €100.00 muac
Deirdre Brophy 06-01-2009 Donation €20.00 Would love to join the hike, but just missed the deadline :-( Great event, great cause. Enjoy!
ann harper 05-01-2009 Donation €50.00 participant - good luck everyone
Anonymous 05-01-2009 Donation €50.00 Participant
Anonymous 05-01-2009 Donation €50.00 Participant - Martin Hernon
Anonymous 05-01-2009 Donation €50.00 Participan
Neville maxwell 05-01-2009 Donation €50.00 participant
Neville maxwell 05-01-2009 Donation €50.00 Participant
Pat Nash 05-01-2009 Donation €50.00 particapant
Pat Nash 05-01-2009 Donation €50.00 Participant
Paula Cooney 05-01-2009 Donation €50.00 Participant- looking forward to a memorable sporting occasion for a fantastic cause.
Aidan Cooney 05-01-2009 Donation €30.00 Glad to be of some small Help...!
Aoife Nagle 05-01-2009 Donation €50.00 Participant
Anonymous 05-01-2009 Donation €20.00 -
Ben Finlay 05-01-2009 Donation €50.00 Participant
Francis Diver 05-01-2009 Donation €75.00 Participant in the Art O Neill Challenge
Anonymous 05-01-2009 Donation €20.00 Best of luck
Ruairi Ward 05-01-2009 Donation €50.00 Participant
Dan Kiernan 05-01-2009 Donation €50.00 Participant
Anna Cronin 05-01-2009 Donation €50.00 Participant
Owen ODonoghue 05-01-2009 Donation €50.00 -
Susan Owens-Murphy 05-01-2009 Donation €50.00 Participant
Alan Thomas 05-01-2009 Donation €50.00 Participant
Colbert Byrne 05-01-2009 Donation €50.00 participant
Anonymous 05-01-2009 Donation €50.00 Participant
Rσisνn NigFhloinn 05-01-2009 Donation €100.00 Participants - Rσisνn and Caoimhe NigFhloinn
Fin Murray 05-01-2009 Donation €50.00 Life is Art
Sarah J Keane 05-01-2009 Donation €50.00 Best Wishes to Staurt and Family, Good Luck to everyone on Friday
Gillian Martin-Smith 05-01-2009 Donation €50.00 participant
Mark McDermott 05-01-2009 Donation €50.00 Participant
paul clarke 05-01-2009 Donation €50.00 may the light of the holy spirit be with us always
Denis Condon 05-01-2009 Donation €40.00 Good luck to the Microsoft lads , hope none of those city boys get lost
Gillian Martin-Smith 05-01-2009 Donation €50.00 -
Brian Leddin 05-01-2009 Donation €50.00 participant - Brian Leddin
Gayle Dunne 05-01-2009 Donation €40.00 Good Luck Steve & Cillian
Anonymous 05-01-2009 Donation €50.00 Participant in AONeill Hike
Seamus Devitt 04-01-2009 Donation €50.00 Participant
Seamus Devitt 04-01-2009 Donation €50.00 Participant
Anonymous 04-01-2009 Donation €30.00 Participant
Martin Harte 04-01-2009 Donation €50.00 Participant - Aimee Murphy
Anonymous 04-01-2009 Donation €20.00 Participant
Paul Keville 04-01-2009 Donation €50.00 Participant
Martin Harte 04-01-2009 Donation €50.00 Participant
Joanna Wallis 04-01-2009 Donation €20.00 -
Anonymous 04-01-2009 Donation €50.00 participant
Anonymous 04-01-2009 Donation €50.00 Participant
Stephen Morrison 04-01-2009 Donation €50.00 Participant
Anonymous 04-01-2009 Donation €50.00 Participant
Ronan Ryan 04-01-2009 Donation €50.00 participant
Ronan Ryan 04-01-2009 Donation €50.00 participant
Pam Coleman 04-01-2009 Donation €50.00 Participant in Hike
John McCormack 04-01-2009 Donation €50.00 participant
Vincent Sykes 04-01-2009 Donation €50.00 Participant - Vincent Sykes
Anonymous 04-01-2009 Donation €50.00 "participant" Robert Curley
Anonymous 04-01-2009 Donation €50.00 Participant
Anonymous 04-01-2009 Donation €50.00 "Participant" Weston Harding.
Anonymous 04-01-2009 Donation €50.00 Participant
Anonymous 04-01-2009 Donation €50.00 Heres to a Great Night in the hills, and a very good cause! Weston Harding.
Alan McCormack 04-01-2009 Donation €50.00 Participant
Aidan Woods 04-01-2009 Donation €50.00 Participant - Aidan Woods PSP Clinic
Aidan Woods 04-01-2009 Donation €50.00 Participant - Karen Woods
Cillian Sparks 04-01-2009 Donation €50.00 Participant
Emer O'Keeffe 04-01-2009 Donation €50.00 Participant
Fergal O'Connor 04-01-2009 Donation €50.00 Participant
Ruairi Holohan 04-01-2009 Donation €50.00 Participant - Ruairi Holohan
Fiadhnat O'Meara 03-01-2009 Donation €50.00 participant
Anonymous 03-01-2009 Donation €50.00 Participant
Martin Mc Verry 03-01-2009 Donation €50.00 participant
Fergus Ryan 03-01-2009 Donation €50.00 Participant
Charles Doyle 03-01-2009 Donation €73.50 Participant
Jo Fearon 03-01-2009 Donation €50.00 Participant
Jo Fearon 03-01-2009 Donation €50.00 Participant
Clare Cavanagh 03-01-2009 Donation €50.00 participant
Tarja Owens 03-01-2009 Donation €200.00 'All Mountain experience' donation
Ian Frazer 02-01-2009 Donation €50.00 participant
Siobhan O'Connor 02-01-2009 Donation €50.00 Participant
Seamus O'Dowd 02-01-2009 Donation €50.00 Participant
Anonymous 02-01-2009 Donation €50.00 Participant
Michael MacKenzie 02-01-2009 Donation €50.00 Participant - hope its a good night/day
Aishling Kelly 02-01-2009 Donation €20.00 Best of luck to all the participants!
Anonymous 02-01-2009 Donation €50.00 participant
Paul Ayres 02-01-2009 Donation €50.00 participant
Kevin O'Loughlin 01-01-2009 Donation €50.00 Participant
Dominic Price 01-01-2009 Donation €50.00 In acknowledgment of Courage, Determination, Teamwork and Friendship.
Anonymous 01-01-2009 Donation €50.00 Participant
Anonymous 31-12-2008 Donation €50.00 Participant
Stephen Gill 31-12-2008 Donation €50.00 -
kevin moran 30-12-2008 Donation €50.00 -
Donal Douglas 30-12-2008 Donation €50.00 Participant
Justin Kelly 29-12-2008 Donation €50.00 Participant
Anonymous 28-12-2008 Donation €50.00 Participant
Shane Murphy 28-12-2008 Donation €20.00 Thanks for the support lads. Best Of Luck!!
Kevin Connaire 28-12-2008 Donation €50.00 Participant
Cian Cullinan 27-12-2008 Donation €50.00 Participant
Paul Conroy 27-12-2008 Donation €50.00 -
Andrew Doggett 26-12-2008 Donation €50.00 Participant
Marina Escalada-Romero 24-12-2008 Donation €30.00 Buena suerte!!
Anonymous 23-12-2008 Donation €100.00 Donation
Fiona O\'Neill 23-12-2008 Donation €20.00 participant in hike
John O'Neill 23-12-2008 Donation €20.00 participant in hike
Ivan O'Connor 22-12-2008 Donation €50.00 Participant
Gerard Haugh 22-12-2008 Donation €50.00 Participant
eamon quigley 22-12-2008 Donation €50.00 participant
Anonymous 21-12-2008 Donation €100.00 For the strangled impulse there is no redemption
Anonymous 20-12-2008 Donation €50.00 Participant in hike
Anonymous 20-12-2008 Donation €50.00 Participant in hike
Anonymous 20-12-2008 Donation €50.00 Participant in hike
Orla Comerford 20-12-2008 Donation €50.00 Participate
David Burrows 20-12-2008 Donation €50.00 Participant
Jeff Fitzsimons 20-12-2008 Donation €50.00 Participant
eileen reilly 20-12-2008 Donation €50.00 -
kieran spillane 19-12-2008 Donation €50.00 Participant
kieran spillane 19-12-2008 Donation €50.00 Participant
Kevin Donovan 19-12-2008 Donation €50.00 -
peter rice 18-12-2008 Donation €50.00 participant
Ben Clarke 17-12-2008 Donation €50.00 Participant
Matt Porter 16-12-2008 Donation €50.00 Participant
Edward McEntee 16-12-2008 Donation €50.00 Participant
Markham Nolan 16-12-2008 Donation €50.00 Participant
Marianne Sophie Tyren 16-12-2008 Donation €50.00 Participant
PAUL TIERNEY 15-12-2008 Donation €50.00 participant
Anonymous 15-12-2008 Donation €50.00 -
Patrick Herlihy 15-12-2008 Donation €50.00 Participant
Orna Cooke 15-12-2008 Donation €50.00 -
robbie williams 15-12-2008 Donation €50.00 Participant
JOHN TYRRELL 15-12-2008 Donation €50.00 Participant
Barry Hurley 15-12-2008 Donation €50.00 Participant
Jacinta Stacey 15-12-2008 Donation €50.00 Participant
Paddy Foster 15-12-2008 Donation €50.00 Participant
John O'Doherty 15-12-2008 Donation €50.00 Particpant
Anonymous 15-12-2008 Donation €20.00 Gags, knowing you seem to cost us money!! Keep up all the brilliant ideas and activities, good luck
Paul Mahon 12-12-2008 Donation €50.00 Participant Pσl
Gerardine O' Flynn 12-12-2008 Donation €100.00 Great work Gags!
Paul McGirr 10-12-2008 Donation €30.00 Gags, you're still a lunatic!! Best of luck with it.
Richard Donovan 09-12-2008 Donation €200.00 Congrats to everybody concerned for organising this ultra for a most deserving cause
Paul Gleeson 09-12-2008 Donation €30.00 Best of luck with this gags, a great cause, hope you raise loads
Fiona Barry 08-12-2008 Donation €20.00 -
jan herzog 07-12-2008 Donation €20.00 thats great work gagsi, best of luck. i will send it around