Jim Callery’s 90th Birthday Fundraiser on the National Famine Way
Jim Callery, the founder of the National Famine Museum at Strokestown Park and of Westward Scania is walking the entire 165km of the National Famine Way as a charity fundraiser for his 90th birthday. Having started at the trailhead in Strokestown Park House on Wednesday 25th September 2024 the youthful 89 year old plans to arrive in Dublin on Tuesday 15th October, his 90th birthday. He is doing the walk in remembrance of Strokestown’s Missing 1,490 famine emigrants. Friends and family will walk sections of the trail with him.
Jim is raising funds for charity for current day immigration and has set an ambitious target of €25,000. He invites his friends, colleagues and supporters to donate through his GoFundMe page.
The weather might be inclement but it isn’t putting him off. Jim says, “I don’t let the weather bother me. I know the 1,490 emigrants who did the original walk weren’t as well clad and prepared for the elements as I am. They had no choice – I am lucky, as I do”.
The National Famine Way™ traverses six counties and is a collaboration between Waterways Ireland, the Irish Heritage Trust and the county councils along the route. The local authorities involved are Roscommon, Longford, Westmeath, Meath, Kildare, Fingal, and Dublin.
The symbol of the National Famine Way™ is a pair of children’s shoes displayed at the National Famine Museum. The trail is waymarked by bronze replica shoes, a poignant reminder of the journey the 1,490 souls made.
Jim and Caroilin
The National Famine Way™ is open to walkers at any time and the route and associated stories can be followed through a free app. Walkers can also purchase an official passport to get stamped along the route.
There will be a gala reception in Dublin and at EPIC the Emigration Museum when he arrives on the 15th of October.
Web
https://nationalfamineway.ie/
www.strokestownpark.ie
Social Media Links
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/NationalFamineWay
Twitter https://twitter.com/famineway
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/nationalfamineway/
Hashtags
#FamineWay
#Missing1490
