Man walking barefoot from Istanbul to Mayo to raise money for charity

James Cox

A Co Mayo man is walking barefoot across Europe to set a new world record and make money for two charities.

Eamonn Keaveney, 32, set off from Istanbul on March 4th, 2025, and is aiming to finish in his hometown of Claremorris, Co Mayo.

Mr Keaveney is raising funds for youth mental health charity Jigsaw, and Friends of the Earth.

He was recently in Wales, and is due in Co Wexford this week.

Mr Keaveney was due in Castlebridge, Co Wexford, on Monday but this may be delayed until Tuesday due to issues with ferry crossings and the bad weather.

Castlebridge is the home of the Guinness World Records, so Mr Keaveney will make a stop to discuss his world record attempt with locals.

“Mental health is really important to me. And what I really like about Jigsaw is they provide a concrete service for young people,” Mr Keaveney said of his desire to raise funds for Jigsaw.

He said there is a link between his chosen charities given Friends of the Earth's work on climate change and high youth anxiety over the climate crisis.