Fr John Joe Duffy pays tribute to men who ran Dublin to Creeslough for charity

Two men who undertook the gruelling challenge of running from Dublin to Creeslough to raise funds for the families of the 10 people who lost their lives in the village following an explosion in October arrived at the finish line at St. Michael's Church on Saturday at 9.15pm.

Dunfanaghy man Neil McCollum and Mario Talotti from South Africa, who are both based in Kildare, left the Papal Cross in the Phoenix Park at six o'clock on Thursday morning.

Some 60 hours and 15 minutes later, the pair matched strides down Creeslough's Main Street as the watching locals cheered them on over the last 100 metres of their mind-boggling challenge.

Matio Talotti and Neil McCollum at the end of their gruelling challenge at St Michael's Church in Creeslough

Speaking at the end of the energy-sapping trek, Neil said was happy to have the challenge completed.

"We've been training for this since the start of the year and I'm so grateful to everyone who helped us. It was tough along the road at times, but we managed to stay strong and focused and got the job done. I think it's a challenge you'd only do once in a lifetime," he said.

Mario, who got to know Neil at the K-Leisure Gym in Naas, offered to accompany Neil on the run when he heard him talking about it.

To make a donation to the 'Run for Creeslough' GoFundMe page, please click here

"I've seen plenty of sights since leaving Dublin on Thursday and it has been a memorable experience. We got great support along the way and I'm looking forward to returning to Donegal later this year with my wife and family to visit some of the beautiful beaches you have here," he said.

Local curate, Fr John Joe Duffy, was there to welcome the pair to Creeslough and congratulated them on their achievement.

"I often think that a trip by car from Dublin can be quite demanding, never mind running or walking it,” he said. “Well done to Neil and Mario on your journey from the Papal Cross in the Phoenix Park to St Michael's Church in Creeslough. Thanks, also, to those who came out to welcome you home and to those who were part of the backroom team.”