OVER 100 people turned out on Sunday week last for the Paul McNamara Memorial Walk at New Quay in Clare with all funds raised going to two local charities.

Organised by Paul’s widow, Mina McNamara, the walk remembers a man who unexpectedly lost his life to a brain aneurysm on July 7, 2022.

The walk rounded off a fundraising drive over recent months with the monies raised being shared equally between Quest Brain Injury Services and the Claddagh Watch Patrol.

“I would like to pay a heartfelt thanks to all who turned out on Sunday last for the walk in memory of Paul and the many, many other people who helped out last weekend and indeed through the year as well.

“Thankfully the weather cleared up too for the eight-kilometre walk which everyone completed under about two hours,” Mina McNamara told the Connacht Tribune.

She said that donations on the day had amounted to close on €1,000 with the entire fundraising exercise raising €11,000 this year for the designated charities.

“Since our first walk in 2023, a total of €45,000 has been raised and all involved are delighted to be able to contribute in support of two wonderful causes,” said Mina McNamara.

The Claddagh Watch Patrol comprises a team of volunteers, who look out for and help, people in distress and who are near the city’s waterways.

The Quest Brain Injury Service based in the Liosbán Business Park, Tuam Road, Galway City, provides a community rehabilitation service for people who have sustained an acquired brain injury and is fully wheelchair accessible.

Originally from the Claddagh in Galway City, Paul McNamara [49], had been in good health until he suffered the brain aneurysm just over three years ago.

Mina, from Kilfenora, Co. Clare, and Paul, lived in Keamsella, Kilcolgan, both of them sharing a passion for the great outdoors.

The online fundraising link for the two causes is idonate.ie/event/paulmcnamaramemorialwalk2025.

Pictured: Participants pictured at New Quay before the start of the Paul McNamara Memorial Walk Fundraiser.