Local podcaster Kieran Pickering will complete his ‘Walking with Mo’ fundraiser by striding into Oriel Park before Monday night’s SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division fixture against Cork City.
Over the past month, ‘Picko’ has been pounding the streets of Dundalk to raise funds for SOSAD in memory of his childhood friend, and Lilywhites supporter, Maurice ‘Mo’ Coffey, who tragically passed away earlier this year.
Picko’s target was 307km, and he will reach his goal by doing a lap of the Oriel Park pitch before Monday night’s game with the Leesiders.
“Mo was a lifelong friend of mine and a huge Dundalk and Everton supporter,” he told dundalkfc.com, “and 307km is the distance from Oriel Park to Goodison Park so that’s why I set that number as the target.
“I’m very proud to be finishing the walk at the ‘Home of Football’ and I’d like to thank Dundalk FC for allowing me to complete it at a place that Mo absolutely loved.”
Picko has had plenty of walking companions over the past month, including his wife Avril and their two young children, Emma and Jamie, while members of the Coffey family have also taken part in the initiative.
Kieran Pickering, pictured with Marian Coffey, Anne McGrath and Liam Carroll
“I’d like to say a massive word of thanks to Mo’s mam, Marian, and his sisters Emma and Aideen who have been incredibly supportive of me,” said Picko.
“Not only did they help me to set this up, but they have also joined me on the walk numerous times over the past month and that has meant so much to me.”
This is the latest fundraiser that Picko has taken part in over the last couple of years.
In February, Picko and his former podcast partner Kevin Carolan donated €1,621 to the Dundalk FC Harry Taaffe Mental Health & Wellbeing Programme while he also raised almost €2,000 for Rally Round for Ruby and Feileacain, The Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Association of Ireland, after walking non-stop for 12 hours in May.
“I’d like to thank everyone who has supported it and everyone who has made a donation to SOSAD because it is crucial for the work they are trying to do,” he said.
“I suffer from depression so I know only too well how people feel,” he said. “I want to get it out there that there is help and that people should talk about it.”
You can donate to Picko’s fundraiser here or by dropping into the Dundalk FM offices at Partnership Court.
