Jadotville Challenge raises €26,500 for veterans in need
A novel fundraising event which simulated the distance travelled by members of the Irish Defence Forces from Athlone to Jadotville in the Congo in 1961 has raised €26,500 for homeless veterans and for those in need of assistance and support.
Participants in the Jadotville Challenge gathered at Custume Barracks in Athlone on Friday last for the culmination of the fundraiser and the presentation of awards to the winning individuals and teams who took on the virtual challenge.
The Jadotville Challenge was organised by Óglaigh Náisiúnta na hÉireann (ONE), the Organisation of National Ex-Service Personnel, and took place over a period of five days from June 29 to July 3 last.
The aim of the Jadotville Challenge was to complete a total of 24,000km, which is the approximate equivalent of the round trip from Athlone to Jadotville. The challenge was achieved by totalling the combined effort of all participants over the five day period of the challenge, and the five days were chosen to mark the number of days the Defence Forces personnel were in battle in Jadotville. Participants could either cycle, walk, run or even swim to clock up the kilometres.
Each person who took part in the Jadotville Challenge received a snood and a certificate, and the first 300 registered of the 402 participants received a commemoration medal. There were prizes for the top male and female with the most kilometres done as well as a trophy for the Defence Forces and ONE team who completed the most kilometres.
Speaking at the prize giving event in Custume Barracks on Friday last, Jim McEneaney, Chairperson Michael McNeela Branch (Dundalk) said: “Many of you know the story of Jadotville and when I look around here today, I see the faces of men who not only know the story - but made the story. This year is the 60th anniversary of what has become known as the Siege of Jadotville. So instead of telling you the story of the Siege of Jadotville can I just share with you instead, the story of our virtual Jadotville Challenge.”
“I am delighted to tell you all that not only did we complete our mission, but we travelled a total of 57,000kms and in so doing we raised a total of €26,500 for not just for our homeless veterans but also for all our veterans who may be in need of our support and assistance.”
“On behalf of ONE and the organising committee of the Jadotville Challenge we would like to personally thank you for your participation and support.”
The prizewinners were as follows:
Individual Male was Brian Dolan, 503.12km who won a 2 Night B&B and evening meal in the Landmark Hotel Carrick on Shannon.
Individual Female was Loretta Nolan with 279.94 km and won a 2 Night B&B in the Hotel Isaacs in Cork.
The Defence Forces winning team was 1 Cn Cois with 902.32 km, from Dun Ui Mhaoiliosa (Renmore) Galway. Team members: Eddie Carr, James McKernan, Philip O'Grady, and Shane Murphy.
The winning ONE veteran’s team was ‘The El Paso Four’ with 539.34 km, from the Michael McNeela Branch (Dundalk). Team Members were Pat Donnelly, Mick Reid, Jim McEneaney and Eamon Doherty collected the Team Trophy.
One final prize of a 2 Night B&B and Evening meal from one entry of all those who registered was Eleanor Farrell (Sean McEntee).
Thanks were also extended to the organising committee of Neil O'Malley, Pat Donnelly, and Jim McEneaney from the Michael McNeela Branch (Dundalk).