Mardyke Walking Football host a special fundraising event in aid of the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association

Mardyke Walking Football and UCC Sport will hold a special fundraising event this Saturday at the Mardyke in in aid of the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association, and people from across Cork are encouraged to get involved in the event.

‘Kick for MD’ will run from 10:00am to 4:00pm and it will be Ireland’s first walking football marathon, with all proceeds going towards the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association.

People of all abilities are encouraged to come to the Mardyke, to either take part of spectate on the games throughout the day.

Mardyke Walking Football and UCC Sport aim to increase awareness of Motor Neurone Disease while raising funds, something the organisation outlined in a statement.

“Over the past 5 years, Walking Football has become an increasingly popular pastime in Cork and throughout Ireland, bringing together players, both men and women for fitness and fun,” they said.

“On Saturday July 25th, 2026, we at The Mardyke Walking Football are holding a special fundraising event in aid of the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association, or IMNDA. Apart from increasing awareness of their services we are also fundraising to support this important work.

“To help achieve our fundraising goal, we are having what we believe to be the first ever Walking Football Marathon in Ireland. The true prize is the opportunity to raise funds for IMNDA, an organisation that works to provide practical and emotional supports as well as vital equipment for those affected by Motor Neurone Disease.

“We warmly invite football enthusiasts to come along on the day and participate to our efforts, by either watching, playing or by contributing on iDonate.ie - where every effort counts towards making a difference in someone’s life.” The group is aiming to collect over €5,000 and with a week to go to the big day, €3,890 has already been raised through iDonate.

Des Meade, one of the event organisers, has invited everyone to the event when speaking to The Echo.

“Walking football is a new type of football that is designed for older people over 50 years old,” he explained.

“One of our players was diagnosed with MND, so that’s the reason we’re doing this.

“The game is designed in a way that nobody gets hurt, so it’ll just be a bit of fun.

“This event is open to everyone, even if you’ve never played before — just turn up in a pair of shorts and runners and join in — even if you’re younger than 50.” Walking football is one of the fastest growing sports in Cork, with its biggest appeal the open nature of games and the lack of contact.

Cork City FC even have a team, while exhibit games have been held during senior Republic of Ireland internationals at the Aviva Stadium.