Jim Callery, the founder of the National Famine Museum at Strokestown Park and of Westward Scania, is walking the entire 165km of Ireland's National Famine Way as a charity fundraiser for his 90th birthday.
Having started at the trailhead in Strokestown Park House on Wednesday, September 25, the youthful 89-year-old plans to arrive in Dublin on Tuesday, October 15, his 90th birthday.
Jim 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. He told the Irish Independent: “We have gone down the list of immigrant charities in the Community Foundation of Ireland. They will give to local enterprises, local shows, local events, local St Vincent de Paul, it’s all for local efforts."
Jim has set an ambitious target of €25,000. He invites his friends, colleagues, and supporters to donate through his GoFundMe page.
Jim, Adeline and Caroilin Callery at the start.
The weather might be inclement but it isn’t putting Jim off. He 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 in Ireland 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.
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.
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