Write a commentBurren man Brendan McBurney ran into his local GAA club grounds at six thirty yesterday evening 26 August, looking as if he had just run round the block but in truth his run was nearly 180 miles from The Burren in County Clare to Burren in County Down.
Arriving into Burren GAC grounds, a large crowd turned out to see him home giving him a rousing welcome. Not only was Brendan celebrating his incredible achievement he was also celebrating his 44th Birthday and the younger member of the club made sure they sang the well deserved Happy Birthday.
In truth the project was ten years in the making and not just the ten days it took him. Ten years ago Brendan had a stroke and was told by doctors he would likely never eat without assistance, walk without assistance or talk properly, ever again. He suffered afterward for many years, both physically and mentally but determination and drive pushed him to achieve what few of us could even dream of doing.
Starting out from St Patrick's Chapel, Kinvara in Clare on 17 August, the long road ahead through the midlands of Ireland was completed with the encouragement from family and friends.
Speaking before his last run from the Carrickdale to Burren yesterday Brendan thanked some of those who helped him on his run "There has been three amazing people keeping me going from day one. My beautiful amazing girlfriend Sarah for keeping me safe on the road and getting the gear sorted every night her wee man Dylan keeping me in craic on part of the run and my water girl Shaena, daddies wee girl."
He also thanked his mother Eileen who joined him half way through along with the boys Aaran and Rian. Carol and Gerry Dunbar who came to Mullingar to show their support. Olaf and Dawn Kerr. Olaf for cycling along with him a couple of days and Dawn keeping him safe behind. As well as that on the Sunday he was thankful for Meg's Paula Kelly and Dan.
Brendan was raising funds for Southern Area Hospice, Action Mental Health Newry and Chest Heart and Stroke during his run. Online his fundraising has already raised almost £5000 with more raised off line. Burren Mens Shed raised over £1000 alone.
If you would like to donate please go to www.justgiving.com
Sponsors of Brendans run included Rosemary Connolly Solicitors, Cunningham Contracts Group, UniFit, Guys and Dolls Hair Salon, DMG Engineering, BHE Electrical, MICO Electrical Systems, HMT Shipping, Magill Mortgages and Financial Services, Best Build Bricklaying and GemNet IT Services.
