Famine Way walker, age 89, reaches halfway mark at Mullingar
Jim Callery, founder of the National Famine Museum at Strokestown Park, set off from Mullingar this morning at the halfway point of his 165km charity fundraiser walk on the National Famine Way.
Jim started at the trailhead in Strokestown Park House on Wednesday last, September 25, and he aims to arrive in Dublin on Tuesday October 15, his 90th birthday.
He is doing the walk in remembrance of Strokestown’s Missing 1,490 famine emigrants, and he is raising funds for charity for current day immigration.
Jim set a target of €25,000 and – before he set off from Saunders Bridge in Mullingar this morning – he said the amount raised was close to that.
“I’m starting my sixth day and I think we’re there or thereabouts, near €25,000, this morning, that is marvellous,” Jim told the Westmeath Examiner. “I’m very pleased with it.”
Asked how, at almost 90 years of age, he is finding the physical challenge, Jim said: “The first two days were tough, but since it’s okay, I’m setting myself to walk at three kilometres an hour, so if I do 20 kilometres a day, that takes six hours and a bit.
“But I’m changing it, some days I do 10, some days 20, some days 15. So far, I think we’ve averaged about 14 kilometres a day.”
There was heavy rain one of the days last week, but Jim said: “I don’t let the weather bother me. I know the 1,490 emigrants who did the original walk weren’t as well clad and prepared for the elements as I am. They had no choice – I am lucky, as I do."
The National Famine Way™ traverses six counties and is a collaboration between Waterways Ireland, the Irish Heritage Trust and the county councils along the route. The local authorities involved are Roscommon, Longford, Westmeath, Meath, Kildare, Fingal, and Dublin.
The symbol of the National Famine Way™ is a pair of children’s shoes displayed at the National Famine Museum. The trail is waymarked by bronze replica shoes, a poignant reminder of the journey the 1,490 souls made.
The National Famine Way™ is open to walkers at any time and the route and associated stories can be followed through a free app. Walkers can also purchase an official passport to get stamped along the route.
Contribute to the fundraiser on GoFundMe.
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