Retired Sligo postman Mick McLoughlin nears the end of a 12 day charity walk from Mizen Head in Cork to Malin Head in Donegal.
Sixty-three year old Mick McLoughlin left Mizen Head in County Cork on 29 July, the day he retired from the Postal Service. Some 400 miles later he is close to his destination in Malin Head in County Dongal and he described his achievement as
A 12 day stroll.
By undertaking a sponsored walk, Mick hopes to raise £15,000 for a swimming pool and gymnasium for Cregg House in Sligo, a residential home for children with intellectual disabilities.
His daily delivery round in the Maugheraboy area of Sligo town provided Mick with all the training he needed to undertake his fundraising walk.
Mick has never been a great believer in the push bike, the motorbike or the van to help him with his round, you get to meet more people when you’re walking on the job, he believes.
Mick has benefited from good weather and a busload of helpers to keep him stay on the right roads. Throughout his journey he has met nothing but kindness from well-wishers along his route. In particular he received a huge welcome when he passed through Sligo Town.
While in Ballybofey, County Donegal, Mick met up with an old Army friend who served with him during the Emergency.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 9 August 1983. The reporter is Tommie Gorman.
