The brothers of Natalie McNally are making their way on to Croke Park after setting off on a fundraising trek from Craigavon on Wednesday.
Niall and Declan McNally will walk almost 100 miles in five days arriving just in time for throw in at Armagh’s All-Ireland final against Galway on Sunday.
The pair have been actively raising money for Women’s Aid since their sister was killed in her Lurgan home in December 2022.
The pair will also be raising funds for young GAA star Caolan Finnegan, who was diagnosed with an aggressive form of brain cancer in August last year.
Speaking to The Irish News as they set off from Craigavon Lake on Wednesday, Niall said: “The last game Natalie came to with us was against Galway in 2022. Unfortunately we lost that day but hopefully we can get a win for her on Sunday.
“We have out t-shirts and our Armagh flag with Natalie’s face on it and it comes to every game so she will be with us every step of the way.”
Donations for their fundraiser have exceeded the £10,000 target by more than £2,000 when the brothers began their journey.
Declan added: “It’s been a tough 18 months since we lost Natalie but the Women’s Aid have been so supportive and do such fabulous work for people experiencing domestic abuse and we want return that support they’ve shown us so they can continue to help victims of domestic abuse.
“The Care for Caolan fund was just so inspiring to see how the community rallied around him and his family and we wanted to be part of it and show our support.”
Their dad Noel will be accompanying them on the first leg of their journey from Craigavon to Newry.
Thanking people for their support he told The Irish News: “The turn out this morning is absolutely fantastic, I wasn’t expecting so many people to come.
“Its a brilliant effort from the boys to continue their fundraising for Women’s Aid who have been a great support to us since my daughters death. Violence against women in Northern Ireland is a real problem and its important to highlight the work that that do.”
First Minister Michelle O’Neill was in Craigavon to wave the men off. She said it was great to see such a show of support for the family and their fundraising efforts.
“It’s great to be here to be able to wish Niall and Declan luck on their fundraising effort. They love the GAA and they’re using that passion to raise awareness. I think its a testimony to the family themselves how they just keep raising awareness and keep Natalie’s memory alive.
“Two excellent charities. It speaks volumes about this family and their commitment to give back to others experiencing really difficult times.”
You can donate to the Craigavon to Croker fundraiser by clicking here
