Supporting Heroes: Charity Famine Walk for Homeless Veterans

A national veterans charity in Ireland, Óglaigh Náisiúnta na hÉireann (ONE), is fundraising for homeless veterans under the charity’s care. The charity is fielding a walking team to do a Famine Walk, which is a 170 kilometer trek from May 13th to May 19th, inclusive. These walkers are hoping to raise funds from our wider community to support fellow veterans who have fallen on hard times.

Supporting Heroes

As a member of this nationwide veterans charity in Ireland, I can say the cause is not only just—it honors the story of the forgotten Irish during the Irish Famine of 1845 to 1848. During 1847 in the Strokestown Estate, County Roscommon, a callous landlord, evicted 227 families for financial reasons, forcing them to make the 170 kilometer march to Dublin. Sent to Liverpool, England, they then made the trek to Canada in what is now known as Coffin Ships. Over two-thirds of the 227 families perished en-route.

There are many reasons to remember our actual history, some good, some bad. This remembrance, by ONE, of such a dark time in Irish history, shines a light on how far we have come. It also shows us that challenges in our time are more manageable when we stand together!

These homeless veterans knew this when they signed up as soldiers, sailors and airmen. They did not seek our help until we, as a people, recognised their need. This “hand-up”, via your donations, shows these homeless veterans, they are not alone in their suffering. The wider community, through donating, tells them you are interested in their plight, and are also willing to help.

The walking team comprises all retired veterans from the Irish Defence Forces. Jimmy Fullam, Peter Malone, Peter Downes, Ken Cleary, John Rabbitte, and Hugh O’Neill have banded together to make this walk happen. Their trek, like those families, is long, over the 170 kilometer distance to Dublin City.

Joining our walking team in supporting homeless veterans is Captain Andy O’Neill, Company Sergeant Tommy Sheahan, Sergeant Richie Holmes, Corporal Anthony O’Donoghue, and Lieutenant Colonel Bryan Bean (retired US Army). These volunteers will partner with supporting Irish veterans, which will include James Kearns, Anthony Freeney and the President of ONE, Mick Kinehan.

The walking team will start in Strokestown, County Roscommon on May 13th. It will follow the route taken by these families in 1847 through the Irish midlands, and onto Dublin via Maynooth. There is a powerful memorial to Irish famine victims in Dublin City quays, where these poor souls once stood. On Sunday, May 19th, this will be where our walking team finishes their 2024 journey for their fellow veterans.

We hope you can join us there to welcome our veterans on the day, as it will be one for the diary. Donations from those who can or cannot attend are most appreciated by all veterans; but most of all, from veterans who need your help today.

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