Curragh Camp soldiers set out on mammoth 240KM run for charity

A group of soldiers from the Curragh set out this morning on a 240km trek that will take them across Ireland before they climb one of the most historic peaks in the country, all in aid of Temple Street Children's Hospital.

The 94th Cadet Class, which is the largest class in the history of the Irish State, left their base in the Curragh this morning at 6am as they set out for Westport, and once they arrive in the picturesque Mayo town they will climb Croagh Patrick, which they hope to have done by Sunday evening.

The soldiers will be passing through 23 towns along the way and will run in small groups, relaying across the 240km route in order to complete the goal.

The 94th Cadet Class started its training in 2017, and aim to be commissioned as junior leaders in the Defence Forces in early 2019.

With 107 members of the class, the 94th Cadet Class is currently the largest cadet class in the history of the state.

The run will help to raise funds for Temple Street Children's Hospital, The Curragh Lourdes Fund, and The Irish Defence Forces Soldier's Fund.

The Curragh Lourdes fund was founded in 2010 in order to give children with special needs or serious illnesses the opportunity to travel to Lourdes as part of the annual Defence Forces Military Pilgrimage.

A GoFundMe page has been set up to help raise money ahead of the event, and the soldiers have set a €15,000 target for themselves.