Picture Credit: Gerard O’Loughlin
Bank of Ireland has today announced that the Big Blue Chariot challenge is partnering with the historical Táin March from Friday May 19th to Monday June 5th, raising much needed funds for The Jack & Jill Children’s Foundation.
The unique challenge sees Bank of Ireland staff and members of the local community walk the three stages of the ancient route, from Tulsk to Omeath, covering a distance of over 260KM.
Beginning at the Rathcroghan mound near Tulsk in Roscommon this morning, the Big Blue Chariot will pass through 14 communities across the provinces of Connacht and Leinster over the course of two weeks with local fundraising events taking place along the route. All funds raised during this challenge will go to The Jack & Jill Children’s Foundation, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. All the funds raised on the Táin March will go directly to Jack and Jill families in the counties along the route and will be matched € for € by Give Together, the Bank’s charity and community initiative.
Joann Hosey, Director of Bank of Ireland Connacht and Ulster said,
“We’re delighted to bring the Big Blue Chariot challenge to the historical Táin March. The walk set off from Rathcroghan, near Tulsk today and will culminate at a grand finale in Omeath, Co. Louth, on Monday June 5th.”
“Last year, the Bank of Ireland Big Blue Box travelled along the Wild Atlantic Way and Ireland’s Ancient East, with a series of great community events along the route, so we are excited to bring the challenge to the Táin March this summer.”
Hugo Jellett, Chief Executive with The Jack & Jill Children’s Foundation said,
“As a national provider of home nursing care and respite to children from birth to 4 years of age with life limiting and life threatening conditions, including end-of-life care, I cannot think of a more appropriate community based initiative from which to receive much needed funds. Not only is the Big Blue Chariot getting to the heart of communities, it is promoting collaboration and raising vital funds so our specialist children’s nurses can deliver home nursing care hours within the community. Since we began 20 years ago we have supported over 2,300 families. The support from Bank of Ireland staff, through initiatives such as the Big Blue Chariot Challenge, is vital in helping our services to continue to grow and improve for children over the years ahead.”
Tomorrow’s stage goes from Lissonuffy, near Strokestown, over Slieve Bawn, on to Tarmonbarry and ending in Cloondra. For information on how to get involved please contact Kevin Moran on 087-9344851 or visit http://www.tainmarch.ie/