Try something new for charity

By Geraldine Fitzgerald

A charity event in aid of the Cleft Lip and Palate Association of Ireland (CLAPAI) is set to reach its fundraising target only two weeks into its three-month run.

It’s the second year of the event set up by Cork man Luke O’Mahony, whose son Finbarr was born with a cleft lip and palate. It’s continuing until 31 August and has raised more than €11,000 so far.

The Funbarr Challenge involves participants from across the globe taking on a challenge to do something they’ve never done before. One of the main challenges saw a team of first-time rowers circumnavigate the three islands in Cork harbour.

Green Rebel Group sponsored Team Primus, who trained for five weeks before successfully rowing 35km around Cobh, Haulbowline and Spike Island.

The timing was excellent, as it coincided with the Cork Harbour Festival and saw Team Primus win the Novice Award.

Luke O’Mahony said: “Our crew had never seen the inside of a boat before last month so it’s amazing to receive an award and be recognised by the Cork Harbour Festival, and to have local company Green Rebel Group on board as sponsors.”

Jon Meany, Business Operations Manager with Green Rebel Group said: “We are delighted to support such a fantastic and worthy fundraiser. It’s a big deal for a group of novice rowers to take on the challenge of all three islands in Cork Harbour and it’s wonderful to see the crew recognised with an award.” Other events include a 100km mountain trail run in Uzbekistan, a 30-hour two-day hike in Scotland and a team of 29 cycling a combined distance of 3,000km in Doha.

Funds raised in 2020 were used by the CLAPAI to purchase specialised feeding bottles distributed to every maternity hospital in Ireland.