West Belfast Sinn Féin Sinn Féin -- Building an Ireland of Equals

Republicans to take part in Keenan memorial walk

Published: 2 October, 2008

This Saturday, October 4, a 40-strong group of west Belfast republicans will take part in a 26-mile endurance walk across the Mourne Mountains.

They will be competing for the Brian Keenan memorial shield, in memory of the recently deceased army leader.

Among those taking part are Belfast Sinn Fein chairperson Bobby Storey, west Belfast Sinn Fein chairperson Patrick Adams and councillors Charlene O'Hara, Chrissie Mhic Giolla Mhin and Sam Baker.

One of the event organisers, west Belfast Sinn Fein's Dee Donnelly, said:

''This is the 1st memorial walk organised in memory of Brian and we hope it will become an annual event.

''Republicans from all over Ireland are taking part in what is sure to be a grueling test of endurance and we will be pushing ourselves to the limit to walk the full 26 miles.

''We have had our 1st dry run and we will try to get another practice in the area before the full walk on October 4.

''We've been up and down the Black mountain a few times aswell.

''There's a few bets on whether Bobby Storey will be able to make it to the end,'' laughed Dee.

The shield will be presented by the Keenan family to the team that shows the most courage in the course of the walk.