The brothers of Natalie McNally have set themselves the challenge of walking from Craigavon to Croke Park to raise money in memory of their sister and to contribute towards fundraising efforts for a Co Armagh GAA player battling brain cancer.
Following Armagh’s win over Kerry at the All-Ireland semi-final in Croke Park last Saturday, Niall (31) and Declan McNally (35) decided to celebrate the momentous occasion in a way that could benefit others.
The Craigavon brothers lost their sister, Natalie, 18 months ago when she was tragically murdered in her Lurgan home. Since her death, the family have been engaged in constant fundraising efforts.
In honour of Natalie, they will be walking from Craigavon to Dublin to raise money for the domestic abuse charity, Women’s Aid.
A JustGiving page has been set up, which in a short matter of days has already raised just under £6,000!
“I said before the match that if Armagh beat Kerry I’d walk to the final because I thought it would be something good to mark the occasion,” Niall told Armagh I.
“Me and my brother go to every match and we have been going all our lives. We always drove – but this time we are leaving the car behind.
“It’s been my idea and I don’t think Declan is too pleased. He’s going ahead with it anyway so fair play to him!”
The duo start at Craigavon Lakes next Wednesday morning, with the goal of arriving in Croke Park in time for the final.
Armagh will play Galway on July 28, in Croke Park, for the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship title.
Niall added: “We have done a lot of fundraising since her [Natalie’s] passing and that keeps us going. It’s all been going to Women’s Aid.
“She was a keen activist herself and would have stood up for people. She would have been at all the fundraisers and we will remember her for it and continue it in her memory.”
The money raised will be split 50/50 with the other half of the funds to be contributed to ‘Care For Caolan’, the initiative set up to help Crossmaglen Gaelic footballer Caolan Finnegan.
“A lot of the Armagh boys have been sharing it,” Niall said. “You think you have it bad when your team isn’t winning the match but when you put it in perspective and see what he’s going through it’s unbelievable.
“You wouldn’t wish it on anyone. We just want to help towards his treatment and help him get better.”
Niall and Declan are hoping for sponsorship in some form but don’t mind having to pay for their overnight stays – but would be eternally grateful for help with accommodation.
“We have had great support so far. I couldn’t believe it. I posted at 5.30pm and had to start nightshift at 6pm and had to drive to work so I never saw it for ages and my phone was going mental.
“Then I went on within the first hour and it had raised over £100 and then the next time I checked it was over £3,000 so I just couldn’t believe it.”
You can donate to Niall and Declan’s charity appeal by visiting their JustGiving link here.
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