Charity
Limerick’s Ken McDonald carries a rowing machine up Carrauntoohil in aid of UNICEF
Limerick’s Ken McDonald raises more than €27,000 for UNICEF by carrying a rowing machine up Carrauntoohil. Picture via Instagram
Limerick’s Ken McDonald climbed Ireland’s tallest peak with a 28 kg rowing machine and completed a full rowing marathon to raise funds for UNICEF emergency response in Gaza
Limerick man and world champion rower, Ken McDonald, took on the incredible challenge of carrying a 28 kg rowing machine up Carrauntoohill and completing a full marathon row at the summit of Ireland’s tallest mountain to raise funds for UNICEF’s emergency response in Gaza.
McDonald has so far raised more than €27,000 for the cause, having smashed his initial fundraising goal of €20,000, with all proceeds going directly to support children affected by the ongoing crisis in Gaza.
McDonald says the idea for the fundraiser came to him while he was recovering from a health scare recently at University Hospital Limerick. He writes on his iDonate fundraising page, “What can I do? I had to do something for the kids in Gaza.”
advertisement
advertisement
advertisement
advertisement
He added, “I’m taking on this Challenge to give some hope to the children in Gaza. I’ve felt helpless and frustrated witnessing the crisis. I’ve chosen to fundraise for UNICEF Ireland. All funds raised here will go directly to this great cause. I hope you can help me by donating whatever you can.”
A guard instructor at the Garda Training College in Templemore, Ken McDonald from the Ennis Road, Limerick completed a similar feat in 2020 when he completed the “Carry up Carrauntoohill” fundraiser which helped cover the costs for repairs for Limerick charity, Share A Dream.
The 2020 fundraiser helped the late Shay Kinsella complete repairs for the charity’s ‘Dreamland’, which had experienced some break-ins during the year. Ken raised more than €40,000 for the Limerick children’s charity.
Showing their support for his climb, former Munster Rugby and Ireland international rugby player, Donncha O’Callaghan, said, “ I just wanted to wish you the very best of luck with your challenge. Walking up Carrauntoohil is daunting enough for most of us, but scaling it with a Concept Two rower and then rowing a marathon on the highest point in our country is quite remarkable.
“I know you’re taking it on for UNICEF, an amazing organisation that does so much for less fortunate children around the world, and I’ve seen firsthand the incredible work they do in the world’s most difficult areas. And I just want to say thank you so much, Ken.
“I know you are focusing your efforts on supporting the Gaza campaign. Good on you. I’ve no doubt you’ll suffer and have difficult moments. But that’s nothing new to a world champion like yourself.”
MHP Sellors Solicitors Announces New Partner Appointment and Expansion of Litigation Team
TFI Christmas public transport schedule offers extended evening and late-night services for Limerick
Limerick solidarity walk shows ‘Diversity is Strength’ on International Human Rights Day
Limerick’s Justyna Cwojdzinska to represent the Polish community in the ‘Beyond Borders’ campaign
UL Professor Joseph O’Connor awarded 2025 An Post Irish Book Awards
5 events in Limerick this weekend, December 12 – December 14
Barnardos Moyross celebrates 30 years of helping Limerick families
WATCH The Rose Clinic at Beacon Limerick is putting skin safety in focus
WATCH Santa’s Magical Cabin at Jetland Shopping Centre is back for 2025!
