Rossbeigh.FAMILIES across Kerry and Munster who have experienced the heartbreaking loss of a child are being invited to take part in the Kerry Mile in Memory Walk, taking place at Rossbeigh Beach, Glenbeigh, on Father’s Day, Sunday, June 21.
The annual walk has been running since 2007 and was founded by Glenbeigh, Kerry parents Mary and Ger Kelly in memory of their daughter Zoë Anna, who died at just 28 days old.
Over the years, the walk has raised more than €30,000 for FirstLight, while becoming an important annual gathering for families who wish to walk in memory of a child.
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This year’s walk takes place during FirstLight’s 50th anniversary year. FirstLight provide free professional counselling and support to parents and families who have experienced the death of a child aged 0 to 18, no matter the circumstances of that loss.
Speaking about the origins of the walk, Mary Kelly said: “We dedicate the walk to Zoë and all other children and anyone who has lost a child. Some people call it Zoë’s walk, but I don’t personally because it’s not just about Zoë. Everyone comes for their own reasons, it’s a communal thing.”
Mary has spoken openly about the importance of support following the death of a child, and how FirstLight, then known as ISIDA, became a lifeline for her family after Zoë Anna’s death.
Reflecting on grief and the need for families to feel supported, Mary said: “People always ask how you get over it, but people who have actually been through it know that you don’t get over it. You learn to live with it, and it does get easier, but you don’t get over it.”
The Kerry Mile in Memory Walk also carries a special significance by taking place on Father’s Day. For Mary, the date is an important reminder that grief affects the whole family, including fathers and siblings, who can sometimes feel overlooked after the loss of a child.
Mary added: “Don’t forget the dads and other siblings. I found that the focus was on me, but I have a husband and three other children. Dads and other siblings should not be forgotten.”
Andrew Mernagh, FirstLight General Manager said: “The Kerry Mile in Memory Walk is a deeply meaningful event, rooted in love, remembrance and community. For families who have lost a child, grief does not follow a timeline, and opportunities like this can offer a gentle space to remember, to connect with others, and to feel less alone. As FirstLight marks 50 years of supporting bereaved families in Ireland, we are honoured to support this walk and to invite families across Munster to take part, whether they have previously engaged with FirstLight or not.”
The walk welcomes parents, siblings, grandparents, extended family members, friends and anyone who wishes to walk in memory of a child.
The walk will begin at Rossbeigh Beach at 3pm, with attendees encouraged to arrive from 2.30pm.
Donations are welcome and can be made via the Kerry Mile in Memory Walk iDonate page: https://www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/kerrymileinmemorywalk2026
