Longford shows support and Croagh Patrick awaits 75-year-old Killoe man

“I'll tell you what I was going to do…” begins 75 year old Joseph ‘Papa Joe’ Leonard. “I was going to do a parachute jump, but my doctor refused. No way, he said.

“He was worried I’d finish up paralysed because I’d had a big operation on my back three years ago. So I’m climbing Croagh Patrick on October 11 instead and I’m looking forward to it!”

Killoe’s Joseph Leonard is taking on the big climb to honour the memory of his grandson Baby Mark Leonard, who sadly passed away just one hour after birth six years ago, and to also raise money for Féileacáin, a not-for-profit charity that provides support to bereaved parents and families.

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Joseph had originally hoped to raise €400, instead his fundraising efforts have tipped the €3,000 mark. As a precursor to the big challenge, Joseph and his daughter Josephine last weekend held a Vintage Run fundraiser in memory of both baby Mark and baby Chloe Whelan Fallon, the daughter of Josephine’s friend Sarah who passed at just 8 days old almost 18 years ago.
Speaking to the Longford Leader, Josephine spoke of her appreciation for the local show of solidarity. “The support I've had from the people of Longford has been incredible.

“Everyone has been so good and I genuinely can’t thank them enough. We want to help Féileacán in any way we can because they’ve been such a huge help to us over the past six years and they do incredible work.”

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Josephine added, “my daughter Kelsey, son Corey, his partner Rachel and their little girl, Haley have all been a rock of strength since baby Mark passed away.

“It’s only in the last while that I've been able to talk about him freely and I hope to now help other parents who are going through the same thing.

“If anybody wants to talk, they can contact me. What I'm hoping to eventually do is set up somewhere in Longford town so if grieving parents want to come in and talk, I’m there to listen and support.”

Following Joseph’s Croagh Patrick climb on the evening of Saturday October 11, there will be a benefit night taking place in The Mill Bar, Drumlish, with a raffle and plenty of spot prizes up for grabs.