Former Ireland Rugby captain strolled through Fermanagh over the weekend as he continued his 180-mile walk from Co. Down to Co. Mayo to raise funds for the Cancer Fund for Children charity.

The aim is to raise £500,000 for a new short break centre in Mayo and the people of Fermanagh are certainly doing their bit as they have raised almost £13,000 for the charity.

On Saturday, Rory was greeted at the Broadmeadow in Enniskillen by supporters and well known local sports stars as well as getting to take in a seven-a-side touch rugby game between St. Michael’s and Enniskillen Royal Grammar School.

To welcome him to Fermanagh was Jessica Saunderson, a 14-year-old girl who has benefitted from the charity and has stayed in their Daisy Lodge in Co. Down.

Jessica had a giant cell tumour removed from her leg and is a big Rory Best fan.

Speaking about meeting the former Irish captain she said: “It was really lovely. He’s such a nice person.”

“It was really nice and I am glad he is doing it because he is helping so many people.”

Chuffed to bits 

After meeting Jessica, Rory was introduced to well known sporting locals such as Fermanagh All-Star, Barry Owens; Lory Meagher winner, Tom Keenan; Fermanagh ladies player, Eimear Smyth; Ross Corrigan, Irish World Rowing U-23 silver medalist; former Manchester United and Northern Ireland goalkeeper, Roy Carroll; Chelsey Wilson, former Commonwealth swimmer; Enniskillen Skins rugby player, Ryan Cathcart and former Irish Olympian, Ann Cairns.

Organiser, Connor McBarron, was delighted with how the day went and how successful the fundraising has went for a charity which gives so much to children.

“All in all it was very successful. I was chuffed to bits.

“He met the main sporting heavyweights that were representative of the various sports in the county as well as Fionn (McBarron) and Jack (Courtney) who obviously benefitted from the charity.”

Continuing about the fundraising Connor added: “It’s an incredible amount of money and it is still coming.”

And asked about the outcome of the touch rugby game Connor said: “A definitive draw.”

After a night in Enniskillen Rory, headed on his way through Belcoo and Blacklion where he stopped to meet supporters and a food at MacNean Restaurant before continuing on towards Glenfarne and Manorhamilton.

To donate to the Rory’s Miles 2 Mayo you can do so at Connor’s Just Giving page at https://tinyurl.com/3s3y6u4p, or donations can be left into St. Michael’s College, Enniskillen.