Riverdance Welcomes Committed Cancer Research Walkers

A three day walk took place on the Kerry Way last weekend in aid of the Cork Cancer Research Centre, with over 250 walkers participating from counties around Ireland, as well as from Antrim and the UK. 

Daithi O Se officially opened the event in Caherdaniel on Friday and entertained the walkers as they set off on their 3-day challenge. 

Marty Dowds and Maria Buffini from Riverdance, who are performing in Killarney with Riverdance, came out to welcome the walkers into Killarney on Sunday for the final leg of the journey. 

A spokesperson from the Riverdance production commented, "We are delighted to support Cork Cancer Research Centre and its fundraising efforts to raise vital funds for cancer research."

The Kerry Way Walk in aid of the Cork Cancer Research Centre took place from Friday to Sunday with over 250 people trekking from Caherdaniel to Sneem to Kenmare to Killarney. 

Spectacular mountain landscapes, dramatic peaks and glens, wild moorlands, wooded paths, lakes and wide coastal panoramas awaited those who hiked along the 71km route along the Kerry Way.  

Many of the walkers had never walked on the Kerry Way or any other Waymarked Way before, but took to the challenge confidently.

The passion and enthusiasm in the walkers, many directly affected by cancer was very evident and many traveled great distances to take part.  

Many walkers, despite some blistered feet, were delighted with their physical participation in the event for such a worthy cause. 

However, the camaraderie and friendships that were struck up during the event made the 3-day event one to be remembered and repeated in future years.

Particpants had the option to walk all, or part, of the three-day walk and many upheld the challenge and walked for the entire route.  

On Friday, the 18km route from Caherdaniel, brought people through the mountains, bogland and woodland to the picturesque village of Sneem.

On Saturday, the 28km route, long but mostly flat brought people to Kenmare crossing the road at the Blackwater Bridge and Pat Spillanes before finishing up in Kenmare later that day.

After the first few kilometers of the 25km route were conquered on Sunday, the rest of the journey was an easier trek through mountain gaps, across streams, walking above and beside Torc Waterfall and finally through the National Park and out onto Killarney's Muckross Road where family, friends and supporters awaited.

Full details regarding how much money has been raised through this event won't be known for another month or so but if you would like to support the Centre and its vital work into cancer research visit www.ccrc.ie