Ahoghill to Auckland for St. Mary’s Ahoghill

During Lockdown, many clubs undertook distance challenges and St Mary’s Ahoghill joined the band wagon, only their challenge was a little bigger and came about as lockdown had started to ease, which made things a bit more challenging!

Auckland was the ideal dream destination as it’s a lengthy 18000km away and currently where dual player Ronan Graham is living on a year out.

The challenge started on June 6^th with the target ‘arrival’ date of July 20^th which at the time was the date given for return to Gaelic Games’ activities. However as with everything during this pandemic, situations changed rapidly, lockdown easing came forward as did the return to trainings and matches but instead of losing momentum with the challenge, club members of all ages rallied to get the 18000km done on time.

Ahoghill to Auckland not only brought club members together at a time when everyone was apart but was also a fundraiser for 3 charities: Trocaire, St Vincent de Paul and Action Mental Health

Club members, their friends and families donated generously and to date £1800 has been raised with money still coming in!

This was big challenge for a small club and they arrived ahead of schedule on Friday 17^th July smashing the 18000km by a few hundred more.

Walkers, cyclists, runners, even rowers clocked up distances and sent in pictures of smiles for miles bringing the club together again even before they could get back to the pitches.

Well done to all involved and now we can start to get back to our games, ensuring we do so safely so we can continue enjoying them!