Turf's up as charity black mile planned

The good folks behind the “Room to Move” campaign in Kinnitty have come up with a novel fundraising event this weekend - cutting a mile of turf the old-fashioned way in a bid to create a new Guinness World Record.

The fundraiser will take place at Killoughey Barracks in Mount Bolus, and locals are asked to support the effort with either a donation or some help on the day.

The “Room to Move” campaign was put in place to cover the costs of adapting the home of Kinnitty couple Michael and Catherine Donogher and their three sons Thomas (12), Sean (11) and Luke (10).

Both Thomas and Sean have been diagnosed with muscular dystrophy and are full-time wheelchair users, making the adaptions badly needed.

This weekend chief organisers Gemma Guinan and Ollie Sadler are pulling out all the stops to give locals a great day out while also raising money for the cause.

Dubbed “The Black Mile”, the event will kick off at 8am on Saturday and will see slane turf cover a total of a mile before the day is out.

Volunteers are needed - both to donate old style tools, cut turf, operate barrows and help to provide refreshments.

It won’t just be the turf that will be old style on the day, as plans for food include rabbit stew as well as the nowadays more familiar barbecue meats.

Donations on the day are expected to be €2 or more. More information on the event is available by calling Gemma on 089 4213935 or Ollie on 087 2629405.