Monday May 16th The Giants Causeway - Ballymoney
Tuesday May 17th Ballymena
Wednesday May 18th Antrim City -Belfast City
Thursday May 19th Rest Day
Friday May 20th Belfast -Lisburn-Hillsborough-Dromore
Saturday May 21st Newry
Sunday May 22nd Dundalk-Ardee
Monday May 23rd Rest Day
Tuesday May 24th Kells
Wednesday May 25th Clonmellan –Delvin-Cloghan outskirts of Mullingar
Thursday May 26th Mullingar outskirts of Tullamore
Friday May 27th Rest Day
Saturday May 28th Tullamore -Killeigh -Rossanallas
Sunday May 29th Mountmellick-Portlaoise-Abbeyleix
Monday May 30th Durrow-Cullahill-Johnston-Urlingford
Tuesday May 31st Rest Day
Wednesday June 1st Littleton-Horse and Jockey-Cashel
Thursday June 2nd Kilbeheny-Mitchelstown
Friday June 3rd Mitchelstown-Fermoy-Rathcormac
Saturday June 4th Rest Day
Sunday June 5th Cork City
Monday June 6th Five Mile Bridge-Riverstick-Belgooly-Kinsale Old Head Kinsale

Short Interview

Please do not use this transcript without asking for permission - Thank you.

I lost my mother seven...we lost our mother seven years ago, erm...the family, to breast cancer, and my mam was only 51, I thought that was young, we all thought, well, it was, it was nuts, it was just too young, and I was angry, I was upset, I had all these questions that I wanted to ask, I wanted to educate myself about the disease that had just killed my mother, we all had, and we all wanted to try and focus our energy in some way because we were all very angry, and try and turn it into something positive.

It was Linda's idea initially to set up the foundation, initially for breast cancer awareness, as time went on it became testicular, prostate, and every form of cancer, we're now fighting these. And that's what we did, we went out there to make sure our mother didn't die in vain, you know, and also to show that mam could still be alive today if she was more aware, if mam found the disease this week, or found a lump I should say, she'd still be alive coz she would've found it early coz she would've been more aware. Seven years ago...10 years ago women weren't as aware of breast cancer and if they were aware of it, they were too scared to go to the doctor. No woman, or no man wants to go to a doctor and have a doctor examine her or him, it's not nice, it's an awful feeling, I had it, it's not nice to drop your trousers and have a doctor root around, it's not a nice feeling, but if it's going to save your life you have to overcome these things.

It was terrible news when we heard about Kylie two days ago, but if anything, if any good came out of that, it was that it brought more awareness to cancer and breast cancer, more women and more men are thinking about cancer now than ever before because a 36 year-old has breast cancer and she happens to be one of the biggest pop stars in the world, that's the most positive thing that can come out of it, it's a terrible disease, it's awful, and please god she'll get through it because she's caught it early and she's a young woman, she has youth on her side. It's also brought more attention I think to the walk, Kylie's disease has brought more attention to the walk, and more validity if I may say that, to this walk, because people are more aware now, they know why we're doing it because all of it makes sense, all of a sudden it's going "Oh yeah, he's walking for breast cancer, that's the disease Kylie has, oh yeah, now I know", you know, and all of these things, they all help each other out I guess in a way.

The three weeks are already a success because you know what? We're getting in the newspapers, we're getting on the radio every day, you know, people are hearing us on the radio people are seeing us on TV, Sky News, Channel 5, TV3, when people see you walking in front of them the impact is far greater than when you see it on TV, because you're there, you know, you get on TV and you say this is what we need to do to fight cancer. When people see you walking down, in their house that they walk out of every day, and all of a sudden they see you there, they think "Oh my god" you know, "this is...hang on, what's he walking for again? What's he talking about?" and it hits them harder, that's what all of this is about, it's about awareness, making people more aware of cancer as well as raising money but the priority is raising awareness.

I was really scared because I knew what to expect, because I got really bad injuries on the last walk in 2003, I got really bad shin splints, and I knew what to expect, I knew what that felt like and that was probably the hardest part of getting my head around doing this again, it was hell, I mean I had to put my leg in a bucket of ice for about ten minutes, submerged to the knee in a bucket of ice until it went numb, take an anti-inflammatory and walk until I felt the pain again, and then do the same again, and that's what I would do until we overcame that problem. Bryan my physio, our physio is brilliant, I mean he got inside my head and got me through it but it's not nice, it's not nice that feeling and to know that you're going to do it again and it can happen again, and I've already started to feel it happening again in the shins.

Major injuries, we will get injuries but nothing major that'll slow us down or stop us. My fear on the last one was that we had to pull out, because I got to Newbridge, no, Kildare Town, and the pain was so immense, I mean I...I was fighting the tears it was so so sore that I thought we were going to have to pull out, or that I was going to have to pull out, and for me that's just not acceptable, so it's where you go from there, and that for me is...my dream is that nobody gets hurt, everyone gets there safely and that there's no major injuries that has to halt...bring things to a halt.

The walk begins.

Police: "Ok guys, we're gonna bring the police car in here"
Ronan: "Here we go this is it. We've worked for the last few months to get to this point, 400 miles ahead of us, all of Ireland, it's freezing cold, it's a good vibe, it's good, everyone's really exited, it's a bit of a panic at this stage because obviously we're filming GMTV, eveybodys on a bit of a time schedule, usually you get up and you kinda walk but because it's so tight this morning..."
Ronan: "Here we go...5...4...3...2...1! Let's go come on!" (People cheer Ronan on)

Helicopter shots 1

Ronan and the team on the streets (Ronan signs autographs)

Ronan talks about Kylie (On the walk and in the Winnebago)

Ronan: "We just heard this morning that Kylie's got breast cancer and she's cancelled her Australian tour, she's only a young girl I mean what age is she, 36, 37 years of age, it's messed up, so this is for Kylie and everybody else that's in the same boat as her."
Barrie: "Sad day today"
Ronan: "Yep"
Barrie: "Yeah"
Ronan: (In the Winnie) "Erm, well because the news has just broken about Kylie, erm...this morning, that she has breast cancer, the place has gone crazy and obviously the fact that I'm, you know, I'm walking along Ireland because of...for cancer, to make people more aware, everybody's calling me and, erm, I was just doing an interview there on Radio 1, and...a close friend of Kylie's was on the other line and they were talking and I'm on this line calling in as well so it was all going on, but it's er, if anything you know what, I pray that Kylie will be ok I'll say a prayer for her, and it seems that she's caught this early. I hope that people, because Kylie is such a huge star, this will create an even bigger impact on our walk and also making people even more aware of breast cancer and all forms of cancer, I think everyone will get a big wakeup call from this, she's such a young woman so er, you know, hopefully if anything some good will come out of this that people will be more aware and that Kylie will be fine please god...hopefully.

Ronan and the team on the streets (Signing autographs and meeting people)

Ronan on the physio's table

Helicopter shots 2
 

Hello! Magazine, issue no. 872 dated 23rd June 2005

Please do not use this without asking for permission - Thank you

Showbiz Ireland - Thursday June 9th 2005

When Ronan Keating finished his mammoth 361 mile walk of Ireland the first thing he did was to kiss something tall, slim and bright - and this time we're not talking about his wife Yvonne.

Ronan Keating got all Papal on ShowBiz Ireland as he ended his 361 mile, 22 day walk of Ireland this week - but instead of kissing the tarmac at the culmination of his charity walk he kissed the lighthouse at the Old head of Kinsale!

And then he kissed his stunning and heavily pregnant wife Yvonne and his two beautiful children Jack and Marie.

And his young family looked overjoyed to have him back in their fold after taking on the walk for a second time which, raised over 110,000 Euro for the Marie Keating Foundation.

Ronan's grueling walk started 22 days ago at The Giants Causeway in Co. Antrim and ended at The Old Head of Kinsale in Co. Cork.

At the finish line Ronan, his father Gerry, his brothers and sisters and all the walkers celebrated by drowning each other in champagne as the sun came out to welcome them to Cork.

Go to www.mariekeating.com for more information on the Marie Keating Foundation

Photos courtesy of Showbiz Ireland.

Day 22: Monday June 6th Five Mile Bridge-Riverstick-Belgooly-Kinsale Old Head Kinsale

Ali’s review of the finish - Monday June 6th 2005

Thanks to Ali for giving us permission to have her review and photos on our website!

I wasn’t sure about how much that went on up at the Old head was private, and how much I should tell, or show in my photos. But I see now that Steve has both written about it, and posted pictures, so I feel it is ok for me to do the same.

So I thought I’d try and put into words from a fans point of view what it felt like to be there at the end.
From the start of becoming a ‘fan’ of someone, in my case Ronan. I found it very difficult to come to terms with the ‘you can’t go in there’ syndrome that happens when you’re a ‘fan.’
After all I’m a person just like anyone else, why should I be treated any differently just because I’m a ‘fan’ of someone. (That’s obviously not the case with all fans. And I’ve seen the more shall we say bizarre behaviour first hand on a number of occasions!)
Which is partly why I’ve never done the waiting outside places thing. That and the fact that it seems odd to me for anyone over the age of 25 to want to stand outside somewhere for hours on end anyway, just to see another human being! And Ronan is just that, human but that’s by the by...

What happened Monday looked like it would be that kind of situation all over again. In fact Karen and I expected to be left at the gates, as Ronan, the walkers, and the rest of the foundation, family and friends passed through on their way to the lighthouse. As that was what had happened in 2003 when we’d been there. We knew what to expect, and we’d already had such a fabulous time over the past few days in so many different ways, that we didn’t really mind.

I’ll just add here- Shame on those that were signed up as bucket collectors and handed their buckets back in empty at the end of a town (and there were some!) cos all they did was hang around Ronan when he came walking through!

So after we’d walked up the hill towards the big black gates following the walking party all the way to the end, Karen and I just stood back to watch them all go through. But then when we saw that some bucket collectors where being let past the gates, we didn’t need asking twice!

Gary told us all to get down to the lighthouse as quickly as we could, so we ran. Poor Karen, I think I got a bit carried away, and ran at my pace and not hers to begin with! She thought she’d got out of running the mini marathon, when we’d decided to stay on for the end of the walk instead of go up to Dublin and compete in it. (And how glad we were that we made that decision!) But now we were running to be the first fans there at the end and see Ronan finish the walk, an even greater prize than a mass produced metal medal!

And so we waited for the famous four to make the long climb up to the end, camera ready. We’d kept a diary of all our exploits over the last few days. (A bit like Steve’s journal but not quite as eloquent!) And I was in charge of the photographic side of it (all 65 as it turned out in the end!)

We clapped and cheered with all the others as they crossed the finish line. Ronan could hardly contain his excitement as he approached the end. Then they disappeared to kiss the lighthouse promising to be back really soon. And they were. Ronan shook a bottle of bubbly as hard as he could and then sprayed champagne everywhere, I got soaked but didn’t care.
(Well you don’t do you if it’s Ronan)

Then we stood and watched the photo calls, and congratulations. Barry came round and thanked us, and I think one or two others, it was all a bit of a blur. Then I saw Ronan standing not far from me, so I seized the moment and held out my hand to him saying ‘well done Ronan.’ I was in for the shock of my life when he pulled me to him and kissed my cheek. I stood back delighted, and he then did the same to Karen. A photographer shouted then he wanted a picture with the fans around Ronan, so we all posed for that, then it was more congratulations and photos for everyone.

Finally, Ronan rode off into the sunshine back to the clubhouse hanging on the back of a golf buggy, a rare site indeed! With the rest of the foundation following, they went off to a private party at the club house.

 We all walked grinning like Cheshire cats down the hills back to the gates, still not quite able to believe what had just happened, or in Karen’s case just how far I had made her run on the way in!

So I thank whoever it was that made that last minute decision to let us through the gates. I think I can safely say it meant the world to all of us who were there.

 I was so proud and honoured to be a part of it all, not only the ending, but whole Walk itself.

A special hi to Bryan (Should have got your autograph Bryan while I still can) and Barbara (What you said to us Barbara really meant a lot, and we appreciate you taking the time to say it twice!)

And Ronan; Hope you know Ro just how much the nods, smiles, and waves meant to us through each town.

But to everyone involved in Walk Ireland 05 you should all be very very proud of yourselves.

Ali

The finish at the Old Head Kinsale - Photos courtesy of VIP Ireland, GMTV screenshots by Angela Griffiths

Please do not use these screenshots without asking for permission - Thank you

Photos courtesy of VIP Ireland.  See more photos at VIP Ireland - Thanks to Debbie for the link!

Singer Ronan pays secret visit to Mournes

STORY BY NEIL LOUGHRAN - Mourne Observer

FORMER Boyzone star Ronan Keating paid a secret visit to the Mountains of Mourne last week as part of his ‘Giants Causeway to Old Head’ walk down through Ireland to raise awareness of cancer.

Ronan (27) and his companions spent Friday night at Glassdrumman Lodge outside Annalong after walking the road from Belfast to Banbridge.

The singer, whose solo hits include When you say nothing at all and Life is a Rollercoaster, is a co-founder of the Marie Keating Foundation, which was set up after his mother died from breast cancer in 1998. He is hoping to raise funds for cancer research and raise awareness across Ireland.

Although Friday’s visit was top secret, Ronan agreed to give an exclusive interview to the Mourne Observer, describing Newcastle as a “stunning little town.”

Ronan and his friends stopped walking at around 4.30pm and travelled along the County Down coast before arriving in the heart of the Mourne Mountains at around 6.20pm.

He was looking forward to the next stage of the journey, as he prepared to head for Newry early on Saturday morning.

“We’re all pretty tired now but everybody’s really up for the challenge and looking forward to tomorrow,” he explained."

SEASONS

“We had all four seasons of weather just walking through Banbridge, so it was a bit strange. My face is a bit sunburned, but I’m soaked through! That’s the sort of thing you expect if you’re walking down through Ireland I suppose."

“It’s great to be staying in a place like this. As a child, my ma and da would always have taken us to country houses when we went away, and I have always preferred them to big hotels.”

Ronan was clearly impressed by his first visit to the area.

He continued: “As we were driving up here and around the coast, we were all saying how remarkable the scenery was."

“There was one place – Newcastle – and it was a stunning little town, really beautiful. I have always loved the sea, and there were some great views as we were coming up here."

“It’s a lovely place.”

TRAINING

The Walk Ireland 2005 officially started from the Giant’s Causeway last Monday morning and is due to finish at the Old Head in Kinsale, Co. Cork, on Monday 6 June.

That’s three weeks of solid walking, but Ronan has been in training for a while.

“I’ve been doing a lot of stretching and walking to prepare myself for this, and I’m enjoying it,” he said.

“The main thing is that we raise plenty of money and hopefully every step we take will encourage people to become more cancer aware."

“The Marie Keating Foundation mobile units will be along the route and aim to improve on the 41,385 people who have already sought information since it was set up in 2001."

“We’ve had amazing support since we started walking, and hopefully it will continue from here on,” he added.

Belgooly

Visit the Irelandwide website for information about the Belgooly Inn

Kinsale

Visit the Kinsale website and click here to read about The Old Head of Kinsale

Day 21: Sunday June 5th Cork City

Message from Ronan

its the eve of the final day. i can't believe were finally here - it feels like a lifetime since we started in Antrim. i would like to say a BIG thankyou to all of you that have given us so much support over the last three weeks. we hope that together we can all make a difference. we've got a pretty short day tomorrow, and i think we'll be having a few pints in kinsale. i'll speak to you again when we're all done

god bless ya x ro

Cork is the European City of Culture 2005 and has an abundance of attractions to see and do.   Like Venice Cork City is built upon the waters, and Cork centre is built on an island in the River Lee, just upstream of Cork Harbour.   Packed with character of a small town but the amenities of a large city, visitors cannot fail to be captivated.

Just outside Cork city is the Blarney Stone where legend says if you kiss it, you will be bestowed with eloquence – ‘The gift of the gab’.

Visit the Cork Guide website

Day 20: Saturday June 4th Rest day

Ronan's walk was featured on CDUK news Saturday May 4th June 2005

We joined Ronan Keating on the final leg of his Walk Ireland tour in aid of cancer charities.

Please do not use these screenshots without asking for permission - Thank you

Ronan: This year's has been brilliant, the donations have been coming in and hopefully we've made a lot of people aware about breast cancer and all forms of cancer.

Day 19: Friday June 3rd Mitchelstown-Fermoy-Rathcormac

Ronan talks to Ireland’s 2fm Breakfast show with Rick and Ruth - Friday June 3rd 2005

Please do not use this transcript without asking for permission - Thank you

Rick: I'm astonished that this man is still upright and walking, maybe they're using puppet strings on him at this stage because there's been....Ronan Keating good morning!

Ronan: Good morning lads, how's it goin' are ya well?

Ruth: Ah Ronan

Rick: How are you?

Ronan: Very good and we're nearly there, home stretch.

Ruth: Ronan you've walked the equivalent of Dublin to Galway, back to Dublin

and probably out as far as Niece.

Ronan: (laughs) out as far as Niece? There ya go

Ruth: We've calculated that you've done about 305 miles already

Ronan: Very very good

Ruth: Fair play to ya

Ronan: Thanks very much, excellent

Ruth: Now, thank you for coming on and talking to us

Ronan: Not at all.

Ruth: We're delighted that you've been doing so well, the details are on the website of how to give money to the Marie Keating Foundation, but I'm doing The ladies mini marathon on Monday

Ronan: I heard you're doing it on Monday, well done!

Ruth: Yeah, I'm not great now, well, I've been doing some training, I want to ask you some questions, the bit I'm most looking forward to is carbing up

I've been told it's a great craic, do you do that?

Ronan: The what up?

Ruth: Carbing, you know, carbohydrates, carbing

Ronan: Oh carbing up! I thought you said carving; yeah I do a little bit of that before hand over the weekend if you can.

Ruth: Just basically stuffing my chops is it?

Ronan: Especially on Sunday, yeah yeah, loads of pasta

Ruth: Ooh lovely

Ronan: Loads and loads of pasta

Ruth: How are the muscles in your legs fairing out?  Coz I've been getting a few....

Ronan: They're pretty big now

Ruth: Are they?

Ronan: I thought I'd lose loads of weight and I have lost a lot of fat off me body but it’s turned into muscle now so I’m actually heavier than when I started out

Ruth: Really so you’re a lean mean walking machine?

Ronan: Yeah something like that

Rick: Has anyone yelled out bring out ya buns at you at any point?

Ronan: You’ve no idea the amount of people! especially truck drivers bring out ya buns bring ya buns Ronan! (laughs) ah the craic we’ve been having is hilarious

Ruth: Has anyone actually given you any buns?

Ronan: Yeah we’ve had loads of buns coming out it’s been pretty funny, actual buns of course baked in a bakery

Ruth: What’s your favourite kind of bun now we had this conversation the other day and I fancy coconut ones with jam in the middle

Ronan: Oh God yeah they’re good yeah there’s a place in the pavilion that do cinnamon and apple they’re very good like a muffin

Ruth: That sounds very swanky

Rick:  Ronan just a reminder

Ronan: Bring out ya buns bring out ya buns!

Ruth: Now you do finish your walk on Monday you’ve walked the equivalent of a marathon a day these past 3 weeks pretty much

Ronan: Yep we finish at the Old Head in Kinsale about 2.00/3.00

Ruth: And do you think…. will you be allowed to come back to Dublin with your feet outside the car window in an upright position?

Ronan: Absolutely I’ve earned that haven’t I? I’ve earned that

Rick: Is it true that a mate who passed by you yesterday in Mitchelstown was saying the traffic was so awful in Mitchelstown yesterday that you were going 4 times the normal speed of the traffic, it was just going no where yesterday?

Ronan: Yeah every now and then we’d come across these road works which are quite frequent in this country actually.  We came into Mitchelstown and it was at a stand still everyone had to leave the cars behind and walk because the traffic was so bad even the Gadai were held up it was absolutely savage.  But there’s nothing you can do about it we got to the other side and there was a guy on the other side and he was a little bit upset ya know with us. Saying I can’t believe you held up all that traffic and I was saying we’ve got nothing to do with that traffic it was there anyway!

Ruth: Ronan if I’d have known you were going through Mitchelstown I know a little handy route round the back of it

Ronan: Well it would’ve been very handy, but then we wouldn’t have raised any money

Ruth:  Now whereabouts are you today?

Ronan: We’re in Fermoy today we’re starting at the Cork side of Fermoy start at 9.00 we’re walking into Cork pretty much the edge of Cork today we finish at Cork and then Sunday we walk into Cork.  I have to do a charity gig in Geneva so Sunday…..

Ruth: “Huh!?”

Ronan: Yeah Sunday I have to fly into Geneva to do a gig for the Red Cross

Ruth: Ya joking, dear God you’re a great man

Ronan: We do that tomorrow and then Sunday we’re walking through Cork City and then we’ll be in Kinsale Monday afternoon

Ruth: Well honest to God that’s bloody fantastic

Ronan: I’m really excited now I can’t believe we’re this close ya know, really exciting really exciting

Rick: Ronan remind us again of the text numbers while people are going dear God that man has put himself through so much I want to donate something

Ronan: Yeah please do its walk05 to 58876 or log on to mariekeating.com or just come and throw money in the buckets

Ruth: Fantastic, Ronan listen would you do us one favour, would you do me personally a favour.  There’s a little girl called Shauna Macullin she’s gone into hospital today and she’d love ya to wish her good luck.

Ronan: I will O course Shauna best of luck I hope it goes well in hospital today and you’ll be back on your feet in no time

Ruth: Actually we’ve just been asked for your stinky old runners and we’ll auction them for charity for you

Ronan: They’re in a right shape

Ruth: I’d say they are, before you know it Ronan Keating’s sweat up for sale

Rick: Ronan we’ll hold you to that on Monday

Ronan: Ruth good luck on Monday

Ruth: Thanks a million you’re as good, best of luck ya know with the rest of it, do all the stretching

Ronan: Alright

Rick: Listen Ronan best of luck man

Ronan: Thanks Rick

Rick: Cheers good luck

Ronan: Thanks Rick you have a good weekend

Rick: Ronan Keating you can’t see this on air but we salute you, there it is

Fermoy

Fermoy is renowned for inland fishing internationally.  Situated in the centre of the lush Blackwater Valley, Fermoy is an attractive base to explore the history and amenities of north and east Co. Cork.

Visit the Fermoy website

Rathcormack

Rathcormack is on the main N8 route between Cork City and Fermoy, and is the second village that you meet when travelling north from Cork City on that route. The River Bride runs under the main road on the southern side of the village.

Day 18: Thursday June 2nd Kilbeheny-Mitchelstown

Ronan Keating arrives in Limerick - UTV

Popstar Ronan Keating received a warm welcome this morning as he passed through the village of Kilbeheny.

Ronan is walking the length of Ireland in aid of the Marie Keating Foundation a charity he began in memory of his mother who died of cancer.

The 28 year old singer hopes to make over 150,000 euro during the 22 day charity walk.
 

Killbeheny

Mitchelstown

Mitchelstown is only 30 miles from Cork and is set at the foothills of the Galtee Mountains in the stunning Blackwater Valley area. 

Mitchelstown Caves were discovered in 1833 when a farm labourer called Michael Condon was quarrying limestone and dropped his crowbar into a cavern. Today the well developed passageways are lit and are open to the public.

Visit Michelstown.net

Day 17: Wednesday June 1st Littleton-Horse and Jockey-Cashel

Cashel

Cashel is a heritage town and is most famous for the archaeological site of the Rock of Cashel; a cluster of medieval monuments.

Visit the Cashel Community website

Littleton

The local community of Littleton are undertaking a clean up campaign and are involved in Tipperary’s ‘Don’t Rubbish Tipp’, which also involves providing new seating for local viewing points and planting hundreds of new trees as you enter and exit the village.

Read more about Littleton at Tipp.ie

Horse and Jockey

Horse and Jockey takes its name from the local pub/hotel – The Horse and Jockey Inn.  Built in the 1700’s it provided food and shelter for stage coach travellers and is still the heart of the village today.

Visit the Horse and Jockey Inn website

Day 16: Tuesday May 31st Rest day

Brasher - Tuesday 31 May 2005

Fundraising pop star, Ronan Keating, has turned to leading outdoor performance footwear manufacturer, brasher, for help as he continues his walk around Ireland in aid of the Marie Keating Foundation and Cancer Research UK.

Setting off on the 22-day journey from the famous Giant's Causeway, on the North Atlantic coast of the island, the former Boyzone frontman was only a short way into the trek when he stopped off at outdoor retailer, Mid Antrim Camping, complaining that the socks he was wearing were causing his feet to sweat! Following advice from the expert staff in the store, it was not long before Keating was on the road again, kitted out with 12 pairs of brasher's 2 season socks. Nick Alexander from Mid Antrim Camping was on hand to advise: brasher's 2 season sock was the ideal solution to Ronan's problem. They're ideal for light hiking and walking in the warmer seasons and contain Coolmax to wick moisture away from the foot while the air channels in the socks assist in keeping the foot dry and cool. He seemed very happy with the products we sold him and I can guarantee he won't be suffering any more with sweaty feet as he walks his way around the country!

But is was not just Mr Keating that turned to brasher to help them complete the trek. One of the star's entourage on the trip walked away from the store in a brand new pair of brasher boots. Suffering from severe blisters caused by the boots he was originally wearing, Ronan's companion was determined to finish the walk despite the discomfort.

Nick continues: The blisters were so bad that the only way he would be able to complete the trip would be wearing a very soft walking shoe. We advised him to chose the Ngolo from brasher's adventure travel range to continue the journey, and have recently had an email from the team to say that both walkers have left their feet troubles behind them since they stopped off in the store!

Richard Cotter, MD of brasher says: brasher products offer out-of-the- box comfort. Our footwear can be worn straight from the box, and as Ronan and his companions did not have time to start wearing-in new boots before they hit the road again, the brasher Ngolo was the perfect solution. We hope that brasher can help the team raise as much money as possible for their charities.

Day 15: Monday May 30th Durrow-Cullahill-Johnston-Urlingford

Message from Ronan

I can't believe we've come so far so fast. every few miles we see something and it just makes us all think of the last one in 03... I can't tell you how much we're loving all your messages and when the miles drag out it just helps us along.

to be honest the last couple of days have been pretty tough. i don't know where this head cold has come from, but its getting to me. i was tired yesterday, and the guys pulled me through. today it was bad but we've just teamed up, pulled together and we'll all get through this. the signs say CORK 110km - no problem.

speak soon - god bless x ro
 

Durrow

Castle Durrow is an 18^th century country house immaculately transformed into one of Ireland’s most luxurious hotels, located in the village of Durrow.

The book of Durrow written at Durrow Abbey in AD 675 is said to be one of the earliest manuscripts and is now being preserved and kept at Trinity Library to this day

Visit the Durrow Online website

Cullahill

Places worth visiting are; for the fit among us Cullahill Mountain, Cullahill Castle with 17^th Century ruins and an impressive early fifteenth-century tower house located in the village.

visit www.ireland.ie to find out more about Cullahill

Johnstown

The pretty village of Johnstown was formerly the estate village of Palmerstown and home of the earl of Mayo

Johnstown Castle is surrounded by 20 acres of well maintained wooded gardens and they are open to the public daily.

Visit the Irish Wedding Web to find out more about Johnstown

Urlingford

Urlingford is a bustling little town meaning the ‘ford on the hurdles’ and is in further development for an ever increasing population and popular tourist stop-off.

Find out more about Urlingford at Travel Wire

Day 14: Sunday May 29th Mountmellick-Portlaoise-Abbeyleix

Mountmellick

Once known as the Manchester of Ireland with comparisons to the large textile industry in the 1700’s.

Things to see and do in Mountmellick are the history of Mountmellick embroidery, stately homes such as Derrycappagh House, Monordreigh House; a heritage trail and the huge tree erected in O'Connell Square every Christmas.

Visit the Mountmellick website

Portlaoise

The principal town of Portlaoise was formerly known as Maryborough until it’s independence in 1922.

Portlaoise is pronounced Port-leash

Visit the Portlaoise website

Abbeyleix

Abbeyleix is a heritage town founded in the 18th century by Viscount De Vesci .

Step back in time through 2000 years of history at the Heritage House, or just a short drive away is the famous Rock of Cashel one of the most spectacular archaeological sites in Ireland.

Visit the Abbeyleix Manor Hotel website

Day 13: Saturday May 28th Tullamore -Killeigh -Rossanallas

Tullamore

Tullamore Dew is one of Ireland’s finest and widely distributed whiskeys and was first distilled in 1829.

Attractions to see are Charleville Castle and gardens, Tullamore Dew Heritage Centre and the annual Tullamore Phoenix Festival.

Visit the Tullamore and District Chamber of Commerce website

Killeigh

Killeigh was originally named Achaid Droma Foda, meaning ‘The field of the long ridge’

Appropriately describing the locality; stretching from Slieve Bloom to the hill of Allen.

Killeigh is steeped in religious history, the 6th century foundation was the chief church of east Offaly for almost a thousand years.

Read about the Parish of Killeigh on the Offaly Historical and Archaeological Society website

Rosenallis boasts one of the best viewing points in central Ireland at Stoney Man on the Ridge of Capard.

Steeped in history; the name Rosenallis comes from the Irish ‘Ros-Fionn-Glais’  meaning the wood of the clear stream.

Day 12: Friday May 27th - Rest day

Jenni Faulkner from Entertainment Today talks to Ronan on location in Kells - Friday May 27th 2005

Please do not use this transcript or the screenshots without asking for permission - Thank you 

Screenshots can be seen here

Jackie Brambles: Someone else who has won an Ivor Novello award is the very lovely Ronan Keating whom I hear you went walking with earlier this week Jennifer?

Jenni: Yes that's why I'm wearing this pink wristband for the Marie Keating Foundation but Ronan by the way he did win an Ivor Novello for Boyzone - Picture of you; the soundtrack to the Mr Bean movie. Anyway I caught up with him on the Marie Keating Foundation charity walk. His mum Marie Keating died of breast cancer in 1998 and they raise money and awareness for this disease while walking across Ireland and they set up mobile care units all across the country.

J: 361 miles, 22 days and one man, now how far would you walk for something you're really passionate about? Well, for Ronan Keating, he's prepared to walk the length and breadth of Ireland to raise awareness for something he really cares about. I've come to Kells in County Meath to try and track him down but first, have a look at the story so far.

Cuts to film of Ro starting the walk...

Ronan: 5...4...3...2...1...Let's go! Come on!

Jenni: (Brings 2 pints of Guinness for herself and Ronan) Aha here you are

R: Jenny how are ya?

J: I'm not bad how are you? (Puts Guinness on table)

R: I'll have that one

J: The one without the dent in it

R: Well you've been drinking out of that one

J: I thought I'd get you a pint, I was gonna get you kind of blister pads or anything but I thought that's probably what you need

R: No we've got enough of those blister pads this is more of what I need, cheers now

J: Cheers.

R: God bless, you're gonna have to drink it now

J: pulls a face then drinks some beer (Ronan laughs as he drinks his)

R: Mmmmm

J: Oh it's not as bad as I thought

R: Nah that's good, that's a good pint

J: I'll still have my white wine later, anyway, how's it goin?

R: The atmosphere's still great on the road, no major injuries, everyone's feeling healthy and good, the sun's been...on and off, we got a little bit of wet weather over the last few days but no, we're good, good.

J: So have you had any really terrible blisters yet?

R: I've been really lucky so far now and I don't want to tempt fate, but I've been extremely lucky I haven't had any blisters at all.

J: And it's mainly about awareness it's not all about the money it's about awareness.

R: No it's not, I mean raising money is definitely secondary to you know, making people more aware of cancer.

J: I think the Marie Keating Foundation has already brought to light the detection, early detection being important coz I think a lot more people have actually gone to be tested.

R: Yeah, well I hope so, I mean, 45,000 people have come on board our units since we started and 10% of those people we had to refer to specialists, which is a scary statistic but at least people are using it ya know.

J: This is such a huge family affair I've already met your brother and sister.

R: Yeah my brothers...Gerard is out today and my sister Linda's doing the whole walk and dad is doing the whole thing, he's driving, so yeah it's a family affair.

J: Ah well good luck with it all I hope it goes really well, I'm glad that I found you, and hopefully we'll see you in a few weeks time.

R: Are you not gonna come out and walk with us no?

J: Ah well you know, I'd love to, but I just don't have any of the right gear, especially as it's raining outside.

R: Don't worry about the gear! Look! And it's even Pink! (Gives Jenni a pink tracksuit)

J: Ahhhhh

R: What a coincidence look at that, 'specially for ya!

J: Pink to make the boys wink, right, ok, well!

R: So you'll come out and walk with us tomorrow then.

J: Yep, I'll come out and walk with you tomorrow.

R: Alright ok.

J: (Picks up her Guinness) I'd better not have many more of these then.

J: (narrating): Looks like I've got no excuse now. Before I hit the sack, there was just enough time to relax with Ronan and his team, obviously in preparation for the day ahead.

(There's a knock on Jenni's hotel room door, she opens it)
J: What? What time is it? (Gasps)

Later on:

J: Right that's it, I've had my breakfast, ready to go now, got my energy for the day, maybe do a few exercises (does some exercises) Yep, that's me.

On the walk...

R: (to people in a passing car honking the horn in support) Thanks very much, thank you.

Ronan signs some autographs.

J: I'm absolutely amazed that he's actually managed to get anywhere because people want to talk to him, shake his hand....

J: Ronan what do you do to remedy quite sore thighs?

R: Put your legs up, rest, have a hot cuppa tea.

J: It's lunch time now, I've got my sandwich, I've got my drink, I've been looking forward to this moment for a long long time, we've walked about 18 miles. It's 2.30 now, unfortunately I've got to go, these guys are gonna carry on, but apart from that, I'm quite pleased because it looks like it's gonna start raining.

R: Thanks a mill'

J: (Hugs Ronan) Thank you again, good luck with the rest of it.

R: Thank you, (Shakes Jenni's hand)

J: And with the blisters

R: See ya soon

J: See ya later Ronan.

R: God bless, thanks a lot, see ya. Right we're off! Good luck. (Starts walking again)

Message from Ronan

Courtesy of Steve Jones' Walk Ireland news portal site

thanks so much for all the messages. i am home now and just thought i'd pop in and see whats going on - steve is still in tullamore and bal is here. alex went back to london to see his dog.

anyway thanx a million for all these messages. i don't get to see them too often as steve has had probs getting online. still we check when we can and i'm blown away by your support. thanks again - lets keep on walkin and i'll see you in the summer

god bless ya x ro

ps check out GMTV tomorrow if you can

Day 11: Thursday May 26th Mullingar

This 12,000 populated town sits on the River Brosna.

Mullingar also has a thriving pewter industry. 

Visit Mullingar Net

Day 10 - Wednesday May 25th Clonmellan –Delvin-Cloghan outskirts of Mullingar

Clonmellon

Clonmellon is a small but ever expanding town situated on the West Meath border.

Every year the local community hold a Vintage Day and just 2 miles from Clonmellon is  Ballinlough Castle Golf Club.

Visit the Clonmellon website

Devlin

Delvin Castle is one of the oldest buildings in the town dating back from 1154.

An ideal area for golf and angling at the Dysart lakes.

Visit a personal website about Delvin

Cloghan

Built in the twelfth century, Cloghan Castle stands in the stunning Galway area of the West coast of Ireland.

A short car journey away from Cloghan are the cliffs of Moher some 200 metres high.

Visit the Cloghan Castle website

Day 9: Tuesday May 24th Kells

Message from Ronan

Courtesy of Steve Jones' Walk Ireland news portal site

RO: Hi All - We're 1/3 way through the journey. Atmosphere continues to be fantastic... every now and themn it dawns on me that I am doing this walk again - it just makes me laugh. Thanks for all your support in getting us through the rainy days. all the best x Ro.

Ronan talks to Ireland's 2fm Breakfast Crew Rick and Ruth - Click here

Kells is shrouded in monastic remains from the 10th/11th centuries. The most famous is of course ‘The Book of Kells’.  The original is safely kept in Trinity College, Dublin. But there are exact copies on display in the town.

Every July, Kells stages a Heritage Festival celebrating the town's unique place in the culture of Ireland.

Visit the Kells Online website

Day 8: Monday May 23rd (rest day)