5 November 2012
Armagh priests sponsored walk for the ISPCC in memory of Father Andrew McNally RIP
Priests from the Archdiocese of Armagh will take on a new challenge in the coming weeks to raise funds for the Irish Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Children. The challenge, which has been titled “The Bann to the Boyne” will see a number of priests walking and/or running the length of the Archdiocese of Armagh, from the River Bann at the most northern end to the River Boyne at the most southern end. The fundraising initiative has also been organised in memory of the late Father Andrew McNally who was a young priest from Magherafelt in the diocese. Father Andy, who passed away in early September, had a well-recognised reputation as a great runner.
The event will begin in the parish of Newbridge, Co Derry, on Thursday 8 November and it will conclude in the parish of Saint Peter’s, Drogheda, Co Louth on Sunday 11 November. It is organised as a relay event taking place over the four days. Priests who have signed up to the exciting challenge are inviting people from their parishes to join with them in the walk or run.
Father Gerry Campbell who is the main organiser of the event said: “This promises to be a great event for the priests and people of our diocese and already a good number of priests have signed up for the event. Over the four days, some priests will run and others will walk different lengths and we are hoping – and take this occasion to invite – fellow parishioners to join their local priest for the challenge. It is good that we should do this together to honour the memory of the late Father Andy McNally who was a great athlete and fundraiser. I think that it will be a very positive gesture that the funds we hope to raise will go to support the important work of the Irish Society for the Prevention Cruelty to Children.”
Further details: Father Gerry Campbell 00353 (0)42 9333482 or Father Peter McAnenly 00 44 (0) 28 37549661 or log on to www.armagharchdiocese.org. Photo of the launch is available from the Catholic Communications Office, Maynooth 00353 (0) 1 505 3017
