More than €820,000 has been raised for cancer charities to date by participants in the now annual Breffni Challenge in Co Cavan.
The event, held on the August bank holiday weekend each year, involves people walking, jogging, running or cycling one of two routes in the county – 20km from Cavan town to Arva, or a 13km stretch from Ballinagh to Arva.
This year’s Breffni Challenge for Cancer is officially launched tonight in the Boar’s Head, Capel Street, Dublin, with special guests including Joanne Cantwell of the RTÉ sports department and Dublin All-Ireland winning footballer Barry Cahill, who has family links with Cavan.
Last year the event, now in its 10th year, attracted about 700 participants and tonight organisers will appeal for an even greater turnout this year in a bid to ensure funds raised pass the €1 million mark.
All proceeds will go to St Luke’s Hospital, Dublin; the National Breast Cancer Research Institute, Galway; and the Cavan/Monaghan Cancer Homecare Association.