All set for country's first Pedal Paddle Pilgrimage

OUT on the Point in Westport one beautiful evening last summer it seemed that in the distance there was someone walking on water. As the person drew closer it became clear that while no one was walking on water, there was someone paddling on it.

Closer inspection revealed it was Fr. John Kenny, one time priest in St. Mary’s, Westport, but now ministering in Partry. So recalled Connaught Telegraph columnist Padraig Burns in this week's paper.

Fr. John will be upstanding on the waters of Clew Bay, along with a few others, tomorrow (Saturday, May 21), for Ireland's first ever Pedal Paddle Pilgrimage, and it's all in aid of a great charity - Pieta House.

The plan is to pedal from Westport Leisure Park out to Croagh Patrick, climb the mountain and celebrate Mass on the summit before returning to Murrisk for some free paddling with qualified instructors.

Fr. John has emphasised that the event is not a race or an endurance event of any kind. It is, as he says on his Facebook page, ‘Work, rest and pray’.

Fr. John has been receiving messages of support from all around the world and we'd like to join them in wishing him and all who pedal, pray or paddle with him the best of luck.

You can show your supporting by donating to Pieta House – the suicide and self harm crisis centre – at http://www.pieta.ie/donate