All About Cork: Friends climb four peaks in 36 hours in aid of Gaza

Four friends, four peaks, three cracked teeth, and more than €25,000 raised for Gaza.

Blackrock natives Allan and Mark Russell and their two friends, Damien Delea and Emmet Leahy, completed the task of climbing the four peaks of Ireland last month in under 48 hours, in a bid to raise money for the people of Palestine.

The two brothers and their two friends, all of whom are fathers of young children, said they felt compelled to do something to help families suffering in Gaza. This led to their decision to undertake the challenge of climbing Carrauntoohil, Mweelrea, Slieve Donard, and Lugnaquilla across two days.

While the group completed the task in record time, Allan told The Echo that the journey was not without its challenges.

“It started around six or seven weeks ago, when I caught up with Damien in Dublin,” said Mr Russell.

“We were talking about the abhorrent situation in Gaza, and we wanted to help out.

“We did a bit of research, and the Irish Red Cross came back as the hands-down best organisation to donate to.

“The plan was that we would start in Kerry to do Carrauntoohil, then we’d go from Kerry up to Mayo to do Mweelrea. Then we’d get across to Down the following morning to do Slieve Donard, and we’d go on then to Lugnaquilla in Wicklow to finish up on that night.”

With a plan in place, the four embarked on their first climb, which Mr Russell said “threw up its own surprises”.

“When we were going to do Carrauntoohil, there was a weather front that was due to hit at about midday, so we knew we had to get up and down quickly,” he said. “When we started to come back down, the weather front had come in, so there was essentially a storm on the mountain, and it was like a waterfall.

“I pushed my pole into a fixing, and my knee buckled — my face hit the rock below us, and I broke three of my front teeth.”

Despite this, Mr Russell said, the group headed for Mayo as planned.

“We got on the road then and got to Mweelrea for 4.30pm. It was a very different climb to Carrauntoohil, even though it was raining, it was absolutely stunning.

“We got back down from Mweelrea just as it was getting dark, got about four hours’ sleep, got up at 3am, and headed to Down.

“We got through that then, did the three hours on the M50 to Wicklow to do Lugnaquilla, and when we got to the top, a cloud had come in. We were able to get to the summit, but on the way back down it was easy to get disoriented, and we veered off track. We made it back in the end.

“All up, it took us about 36 hours to do all four. It was a great adventure — but I spent a good portion of the Monday calling dentists.

“Initially, we aimed to raise €5,000, so the idea that it’s broken €25,000 is hard to wrap your head around, it’s incredible.”

Since completing the challenge, the group has raised €25,256 (at the time of print) for the Irish Red Cross. All proceeds will be presented to the Irish Red Cross by the group next month.

• The donations page is still open online at https://tinyurl.com/5n6fjem7.

Help sought to find Furka

A concerned pet owner is seeking the public’s help in locating her missing cat, Furka.

Furka has been missing from the Blackrock area for several days and is described as “tiny, fluffy, and very shy”.

Furka does not have a collar, but is micro-chipped. Anyone with information is asked to contact Magdelena at 087 194 2067.

Schools’ Heritage Project

Independent councillor for the Cork City South East ward, Kieran McCarthy, has officially launched the Discover Cork: Schools’ Heritage Project for 2025/26.

The project, now in its 24th year, is open to schools in Cork city and is funded by Cork City Council. The scheme is an initiative of the Cork City Heritage Plan and is supported by the Old Cork Waterworks Experience. It is aimed at both primary and post-primary level.

Project books that are eligible for submission may cover any aspect of Cork’s rich past.

The fourth-class level of the project is open to fourth-class students; the primary senior level is open to students of fifth and sixth class; the post-primary entrants will be placed in Junior Certificate or Leaving Certificate levels, and the post-primary level is open to any year from first to sixth year. Students may enter as an individual or as part of a group in a class project capacity.

The theme for this year’s project is ‘Curiosities of Cork History’.

For more information and application details, visit: https://tinyurl.com/5u9v7wwx.

Rainbow Club cafe assistant

The Rainbow Club Cork Centre for Autism is looking to hire a cafe assistant. A spokesperson for the centre, located at Mahon Community Centre on Avenue De Rennes, said the organisation is looking for a cafe assistant to join the team at The Cottage Community Cafe.

“We’re looking for a dedicated, enthusiastic, and friendly cafe assistant,” they said. The role will consist of a 20-hour work week from Monday to Friday, with the occasional Saturday shift.

Eligible candidates must have previous experience in a cafe kitchen, or hospitality environment, as well as barista training.

Desirable attributes include a friendly and engaging personality; the ability to work under pressure and on your own initiative; being comfortable working with members of the public; strong interpersonal skills; a positive work ethic, and being willing to learn and multitask.

Interested candidates are asked to submit their CV and a cover letter detailing their relevant experience to molly@rainbowclub.ie.

Applications for the position will be accepted until September 22.

Mahon Tidy Towns bazaar

Representatives at Mahon Tidy Towns are reminding the public to register interest now for their Christmas bazaar. The Mahon Tidy Towns Christmas bazaar will take place on December 14 from 1pm to 4pm at Mahon Community Centre. On the day, there will be a spot prize raffle, with tickets priced from €3.

In a social media post, a spokesperson for the group urged anyone who is interested in setting up a table at the event to do so in advance.

For more information, or to register a table at the event, contact Mahon Tidy Towns via email at mahontidytowns@gmail.com.