On July 13, Tony Merrigan will step out of Donegal Town and begin a journey that will take him across the entire length of Ireland. Over the next 19 days, the 70-year-old plans to cover more than 450 kilometers, navigating the unpredictable Irish summer to reach the coastal town of Kinsale by August 1.

This is not a casual stroll. It is a calculated, grueling endurance test. Merrigan, who currently resides in Spain, has spent months training in the mountains near his home to prepare for the physical toll of walking roughly 25 kilometers every day.

For Merrigan, the motivation is deeply personal. His daughter, Laura, was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis at 27. Now 46, she has navigated nearly two decades of the chronic neurological condition. While she continues to live a full life, the reality of MS—the fatigue, the unpredictable flare-ups, and the daily management—remains a constant presence for her and her family.

The 'Irish Camino'

This isn't Merrigan’s first long-distance trek. He previously completed the 800-kilometer journey to Santiago de Compostela in Spain, a 32-day odyssey that he describes as a source of profound peace. He views this upcoming trek from Donegal to Kinsale as his own "Irish Camino"—and likely his final major adventure.

"It doesn’t sound much, 25 kilometers per day, but the hardest part is doing it every day and getting up again the following morning to do it again," Merrigan said. "But I will do it."

His route is a tour of the Irish landscape, passing through Sligo, Claremorris, Tuam, and Limerick before heading south into the heart of Munster. He has scheduled a single rest day in Limerick on July 26, a brief respite before the final push toward the coast.

Why the Funding Matters

Multiple sclerosis affects the central nervous system and currently impacts more than 11,000 people in Ireland. MS Ireland serves as the primary national organization providing advocacy, information, and direct support for those living with the condition, as well as their families and carers.

Merrigan is utilizing the MS Ireland Enthuse platform for his fundraising. By avoiding cash donations, he ensures the process remains transparent, with every euro flowing directly to the organization’s support programs.

A Call for Community Support

Merrigan is not looking to complete this journey in isolation. He has extended an open invitation to anyone who hears about his walk to join him for a stretch of the road. Whether it’s a friendly beep from a passing car or a few miles walked in solidarity, he views the community’s involvement as a vital part of the mission.

"Anybody that sees me on the road, beep the horn or indeed join me," he said. "They’re more than welcome. I would love that."

Key Takeaways

  • The Mission: Tony Merrigan is walking 450km from Donegal to Kinsale to raise funds for MS Ireland, honoring his daughter, Laura, who has lived with MS for 19 years.
  • The Schedule: The walk begins July 13 and concludes August 1, with a planned rest day in Limerick on July 26.
  • How to Help: Supporters can donate directly through the MS Ireland Enthuse platform or join Merrigan for portions of his route as he travels through the country.

As Merrigan prepares to head north to start his journey, the focus remains on the finish line in Kinsale. For a man who has already walked across Europe, this final trek is less about the distance and more about the daughter he is walking for. By the time he reaches the coast in August, he hopes to have left a lasting impact on the resources available to the thousands of others in Ireland living with the same diagnosis.