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Mammoth multiple climbs in memory of Tom Griffin

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MEMORIAL CLIMB: Laura Griffin, her boyfriend Luke Stuart-Mills, and Denise Buckley, pictured with family and friends, climbed five mountains in five days in memory of Tom Griffin.

By Michelle Crean

It's the challenge of a lifetime - climbing almost 12,000 feet up five mountains in five days for charity - and it's all in memory of local man Tom Griffin who died at the young age of just 52 years.

Tom's daughter Laura Griffin, her boyfriend Luke Stuart-Mills, and aunt Denise Buckley decided to take on the mammoth challenge 'Following Tom': Memorial Charity Fundraiser as a tribute to him as he was an avid outdoors-man, who loved to walk, hike, swim, and generally adventure in his time off. Sadly Tom died after having a haemorrhage while kite-surfing on his holidays in Portugal in June last year.

On Monday Laura and crew began their first climb up Mangerton Mountain, one of her dad's favourite mountains, followed by Torc on Tuesday. On Wednesday they planned to climb Tomies, but due to difficulties accessing it, they instead climbed just over the equivalent height on Purple Mountain. Yesterday (Thursday) they set up once again and completed Strickeen, and will today (Friday) finish off the whole adventure by completing a climb up Carrauntoohil.

"It's been absolutely fantastic and we've been blessed with the weather," Laura told the Killarney Advertiser yesterday.

"We're trying to commemorate and honour dad's life and picked the mountains he enjoyed doing. Dad was 6ft 2" and had a long stride we had to chase him up the mountain which is why it's called 'Following Tom'. It's one of those things, it's sad but through the sadness we wanted a way to honour him and remember the good times."

Tom was well known in Killarney but relocated to Kildare as he was working as a Senior Manager at Intel.

His wife Michelle is also from Killarney.

Laura has so far raised over €12,000 through a GoFundMe page for Killarney Water Rescue, Kerry Mountain Rescue Team and the Kenya Education Project.

However, she added that there is a glitch which says the funding is at over €15k due to an error when someone donated and the page hasn't yet been updated.

She added a huge thanks to everyone who has donated so far.
"There has been amazing support by everyone, the response has been lovely."

To donate, go to GoFundMe: 'Following Tom': Memorial Charity Fundraiser

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Deenagh Lodge to host Alzheimer’s Memory Walk

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Killarney National Park will serve as the venue for this year’s Kerry Alzheimer’s Memory Walk on Sunday, September 20.

Participants will gather at the Deenagh Lodge ahead of an 11.00am start to complete a 5km scenic route through the park.

The event takes place on the eve of World Alzheimer’s Day as part of a nationwide series of walks supported by Aviva.


Now in its seventh year, the initiative raises vital funds for The Alzheimer Society of Ireland to support local dementia services, including daycare centres, family carer training, social clubs, dementia cafés, and the national helpline.

Last year, nearly 3,000 walkers across Ireland raised over €240,000 for the cause.


The Kerry walk will be led by local champions Kathriona Sheehan, Niamh Murphy, Lynda Phillips, and Melissa Molyneaux, who are walking in support of all those living with dementia.
“We are proud to lead our annual Alzheimer’s Memory Walk supported by Aviva to help fund local dementia services in Kerry,” they said. “The event is about community and helping spread awareness by walking together to raise vital funds for care, support, and hope for the days ahead. Join us in Killarney on Sunday, 20th September to show your support.”


With over 40 walks scheduled across Ireland, members of the public can walk in memory of a loved one or to show solidarity. Further details and registration are available at memorywalk.ie.

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Gary Moynihan wins racecourse style title

Style reigned supreme at Killarney Racecourse as local resident Gary Moynihan and Offaly’s Sylwia Novak captured the top honours at the Canella Lane Best Dressed Day. Moynihan, a local neuromuscular […]

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Style reigned supreme at Killarney Racecourse as local resident Gary Moynihan and Offaly’s Sylwia Novak captured the top honours at the Canella Lane Best Dressed Day.

Moynihan, a local neuromuscular therapist, claimed Best Dressed Gentleman in a made-to-measure six-button burgundy double-breasted suit with a navy check from Saville Menswear in Cork. He completed the winning look with a shirt and paisley tie from Simply Suits Killarney and brown derby shoes from Pavers at the Killarney Outlet Centre.
Best Dressed Lady was awarded to Novak, a hospital personal assistant from Tullamore, who wore a red polka-dot ensemble and custom hat designed by milliner Rita Daly, featuring sustainable jewellery made from recycled plastic.
Canella Lane owner Ciana Aspell praised the high standard of fashion on the day, while Killarney Racecourse Manager Karl McCay thanked the sponsors and racegoers for their support.
With the summer season now wrapped up, the team at Killarney Racecourse is gearing up for the October Festival on October 4 and 5, featuring its first-ever Student Raceday with SPIN South West on the Monday. Early ticket booking is advised.

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