Cross Cooley Challenge launch night in Dundalk's McGeough's Bar was a huge success

Now entering its 14th year, the Cross Cooley Challenge continues to grow as one of County Louth’s most well-supported fundraising events.

This year’s challenge will take place on Saturday 23 May, with participants taking on a 15.4km hike from Ravensdale to Carlingford, crossing the Cooley Mountains and enjoying some of the most scenic views in the region.

The event is open to everyone and can be completed at your own pace, making it suitable for individuals, groups of friends, families, and corporate teams.

The official launch night, held on Thursday 16 April in the Condil Suite at McGeough’s Bar, was a huge success, with a strong turnout from the local community and supporters of the event.

READ NEXT: Dundalk's De La Salle school are set to hold a car wash fundraiser

The Cross Cooley Challenge team would like to extend their thanks to Andrew McGeough and his excellent team for hosting the evening and providing food, as well as to Fergal Carroll and Cathal Byrne of Fierce Mild Brewing for supplying refreshments on the night.

The evening was expertly compered by Colm Corrigan of LMFM.

Errol Boyle from the Cross Cooley Challenge team welcomed guests and spoke about the history of the event and the significant funds raised over the years to support two local charities, the Maria Goretti Foundation and North Louth Hospice.

Representatives from both charities, including Paula O’Hanlon and Darragh Murtagh (Maria Goretti Foundation), and Maura O’Callaghan and Mary Murphy (North Louth Hospice), also addressed the room.

They spoke about the real and lasting impact of the funds raised through the challenge, and how this support helps them continue their day-to-day work with individuals and families across the local community.

The event also featured video messages of support from well-known figures including heptathlete Kate O’Connor, former Ireland manager Stephen Staunton, international footballer Jimmy Dunne, rugby legend Shane Byrne, and Louth GAA player Sam Mulroy.

Also in attendance on the night were local representatives including Erin McGreehan TD, Ruairí Ó Murchú TD, and councillors Robert Nash, Maeve Yore, and Seán Kelly.

With excitement building ahead of this year’s event, organisers are hoping for another strong turnout and are encouraging people of all ages and abilities to get involved.

Sponsorship cards can be collected from the Greenore Railway Saloon, the North Louth Hospice shop on the Ramparts, or by emailing cccdundalk@gmail.com

For more information, visit the Cross Cooley Challenge Facebook or Instagram pages