Seven members of the Defence Forces marching from Dublin to Galway to raise funds for charities

Seven serving Irish Defence Forces’ personnel are, today, beginning their arduous march from Dublin to Galway, to raise much-needed funds for two renowned Irish charities.

Taking place across four days, the 216km route aims to raise awareness and essential funds for veterans’ charity ONE and the Irish Cancer Society.

Donations can be made online, with members of the public encouraged to donate as participants make their way along the route, with all monies raised divided evenly between the charities. The march will commence at 6am this morning from the back gate of McKee Barracks to Ashtown Gate on the Royal Canal in Dublin, with the team expected to arrive at Renmore Barracks in Galway on Thursday evening.

ONE (Óglaigh Náisiúnta Na hÉireann, the Organisation of National Ex-Service Personnel) is an Irish veterans’ charity that was established to support ex-service personnel. The organisation offers housing, professional counselling, and support services to homeless and struggling veterans. The Irish Cancer Society aims to transform the experiences and outcomes of people affected by cancer through advocacy, support services and research.

Primarily stationed in the greater Dublin region, the energetic team is made up of Coy Sgt Martin Moules, CQMS David Bates, CQMS Darren McCarthy, Sgt Jonathan Santamaria, CQMS Peter Scully, Cpl Fran Firzhenry, and Cpl Peter McCardle. They will be supported along the way by a number of their Defence Forces colleagues who are set to turn out to cheer on their colleagues.

Over the four days, the group will follow a set route, travelling through Blanchardstown, Leixlip, Maynooth, Kilcock, Enfield, Mullingar, Mote, Athlone, and over the hills of Athenry, before concluding the challenge in Galway. Members and volunteers from the veterans’ charity will greet the participants on route at Dublin, Mullingar, Athlone, and Galway.

ONE was founded in March 1951 with the aim of supporting former members of the Defence Forces as they make the difficult transition into civilian life. The charity organises year-round events to raise money and awareness around issues involving Irish Veterans and currently has 38 branches, 15 veteran centres, and four residential homes across the country. To date, the charity has helped more than 1,000 veterans out of homelessness and provides 18,615 bed nights a year, between its homes in Athlone, Cobh, Dublin, and Letterkenny.

Speaking ahead of the event, Defence Forces Veteran and CEO of ONE, Cormac Kirwan, said:

“We are absolutely delighted to have been chosen as one of this year’s charities. All in ONE have a huge admiration and respect for the group to undertake such a challenge. We wish each and every one of them the greatest success and thank them for all their efforts. Without the continued support of all of our donors, we would not be able to fund our vital services for struggling veterans in need.”

About ONE

Óglaigh Náisiúnta Na hÉireann, the Organisation of National Ex-Service Personnel (ONE) is a Veteran’s Organisation, a Registered Charity, a Company Limited by Guarantee, an Approved Housing Body, and a Sustainable Energy Community. The role of ONE can be summarised in four words – Support, Comradeship, Advocacy and Remembrance. ONE’s services are available to all veterans of the Defence Forces, while also facilitating homeless veterans from other countries living in Ireland, from time to time. ONE currently provides accommodation (board and lodging) in its four residential homes in Athlone, Cobh, Dublin, and Letterkenny. A fifth home is currently being developed in Cork City and there are plans for further homes to address the increasing challenge of homelessness among veterans. ONE has developed a nationwide network of 38 Branches and 15 Veteran Support Centres, and is continuing to develop its professional Veteran Mental Health Support Services, all in support of struggling veterans of the Defence Forces.