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Mikey Sheehy cutting the tape to launch the ‘Bracker 100km’ event. Photo: Adrienne McLoughlin
THE launch of the ‘Bracker 100km’ fundraising walk took place, on Monday evening, July 13 at the Bracker monument which is situated on the Bracker O’Regan Road, Tralee (link road between Monavalley and Mounthawk.)
The event was launched by Austin Stacks and Kerry football legend, Mikey Sheehy. A sizeable contingent of Martin ‘Bracker’ O’Regan’s family were present for the occasion.
The monument and those present were blessed by Fr. Padraig Walsh PP of Our Lady and St. Brendan’s Church.
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Billy Ryle, Austin Stacks Chairman, performed the introduction; Mikey Sheehy also spoke following his cutting of the commemorative ribbon, with Martin O’Regan responding on behalf of the O’Regan family. Both Mikey and Martin recounted some football stories about the legendary Bracker.
The event was organized by Billy Ryle to launch his forthcoming 100km walk along the Bracker O’Regan Road from Friday, July 17 to Sunday, July 26.
He will walk two sessions a day on the path, beginning and ending at the Bracker monument – a 6km walk at 10 am and a 4km walk at 3pm. Walkers are welcome to join in any of the sessions while observing social distancing regulations.
The O’Regans – Mary, Bridget O’Connor (daughter of the late Ina O’Regan O’Connor), Martin, Denis, Jimmy and Tommy. Photo: Adrienne McLoughlin
The main objective is to raise €25,000 for urgently needed repair and upgrading work at the Austin Stacks playing pitches in Connolly Park, Tralee. Like all GAA clubs, Austin Stacks has suffered financially from the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Bracker 100km is a worldwide online fundraiser to pay for a path behind the main pitch. The new path will prevent footfall damage on the pitches and will facilitate disability access to the far terrace in Connolly Park.
The second objective of the 100km walk is to reclaim the official name “Bracker O’Regan Road” for the O’Regan family and Austin Stacks Hurling & Football Club.
All donations, large or small, will be gratefully accepted through the online fundraiser. Link can be found at: www.gofundme.com/f/the-bracker-100km
