The brothers of Natalie McNally have left Craigavon to kick off their epic five-day walk from Co. Armagh to Croke Park in Dublin in time for the All-Ireland Final.
Niall (31) and Declan McNally (35) left from the South Lake Leisure Centre this morning (Wednesday) to sounds of rapturous applause – and even a visit from the First Minister, Michelle O’Neill.
The brothers have already raised over £12,000 in memory of their sister and to contribute towards fundraising efforts for Co Armagh GAA player, Caolan Finnegan, battling brain cancer.
The funds will be split 50/50 between Women’s Aid and Care for Caolan.
Today marks the outward leg of the route, which will take them to Portadown and down the Newry Canal towpath. From there the route will be decided day-to-day.
Related: Natalie McNally’s brothers walking from Craigavon to Croke Park in her memory
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.
Following Armagh’s win over Kerry at the All-Ireland semi-final in Croke Park, Niall and Declan decided to celebrate the momentous occasion in a way that could benefit others.
Armagh will play Galway on July 28, in Croke Park, for the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship title and Niall and Declan hope to make it to Croke Park just in time.
Just prior to setting off, Armagh I caught up with the brothers to hear some final thoughts ahead of their huge challenge.
“We’re excited,” Niall said. “There’s still about five days to go until the match and that’s really where the excitement is coming from. Hopefully it will keep us going till Sunday when we get to the match.”
When asked about the huge community response to the fundraiser, Declan added: “The support we get means the world to us. We feel Natalie with us when we’re at the Armagh matches as it’s where we always would’ve went together. Once we got to the final it was Niall’s idea to mark it by doing something special.
“The way people have supported us and got behind it has been absolutely unbelievable. I just want to say thank you to everyone for getting behind us.”
You can donate to Niall and Declan’s charity appeal by visiting their JustGiving link here.
