Ballina man takes on peaks challenge
A man from Ballina is taking on the challenge of scaling Ireland’s 23 highest peaks in memory of Ashling Murphy, the 23-year-old teacher killed while out jogging along the Grand Canal outside Tullamore in January 2022.
Father of two, Paul Tierney, who lives in the Shannonside town with his wife Barbara and two children, says he is taking on the mammoth task to honour Ashling’s love of sport and to raise funds to support the Ashling Murphy Memorial Fund.
Paul is also taking on the challenge to raise funds and to support the invaluable service provided to children and young people affected by loss through death, separation, or divorce by the Children’s Grief Centre.
“For my own completion of the challenge,” says Paul, “it is also aimed at prompting discussion among men and raising our awareness of the opportunities and activities that we take for granted.”
He says men take for granted many privileges that women are forced to forego, as they have to take additional precautions in pursuing certain activities, due to feeling uncomfortable or unsafe.
Only when men see their privileges can we start to do something about them, says Paul, who adds: “But first and foremost this challenge is about Ashling Murphy. Ashling will be forever 23-years-old, and the number 23 holds a special importance for Ashling’s family and friends.
“I am excited to create an endurance challenge focusing on the 23 highest peaks in the Republic of Ireland and I’m greatly honoured to be given the chance to raise funds for the Ashling Murphy Memorial Fund and the Children’s Grief Centre. I will be using the iDonate platform to gather funds for these amazing causes who will share the fundraising equally,” Paul reveals.
ON BIKE AND FOOT
In attempting to conquer the 23 highest peaks in the Republic in one continuous expedition, unaided, Paul will be travelling on bike and on foot, while sleeping in a tent and carrying the camping equipment he will be using during the challenge.
The challenge started - and will finish - in Ashling’s hometown of Blueball in County Offaly. Paul began the gruelling test on Wednesday last, August 9, and it will involve 11 days on the mountains and roads in all sorts of weather.
Paul says that since Ashling’s tragic death he has felt the urge “to do something in the best way I know how, through challenging myself and testing my endurance in remote and inhospitable places.
“Hopefully I can bring some happiness to Aishling’s family and friends and I can strengthen Ashling's legacy and provide opportunities and support to young people through the two charities. “And hopefully I can help keep the discussion open about the cultural change needed to keep women safe in our society.”
Paul is urging everyone to support his ‘Ashling Murphy 23 Peaks Challenge’.