Mayo man on verge of breaking world record in barefoot walk across Europe

“The logical thing after walking around the country is to walk across a continent.”

Those were the words of a Mayo man endeavouring to complete a 5,500-kilometer barefoot journey across the length of Europe in aid of two charities.

When The Mayo News first interviewed Claremorris man Eamonn Keaveney in the opening days of his journey to walk from Istanbul in March of this year, he had covered a total of 16 kilometres.

Now, some six months on, he stands on the verge of history. Tomorrow, he looks set to surpass the world record for the longest distance covered barefoot.

At present, the longest distance covered barefoot is held by Polish man Pawel Durakiewicz, who covered 3,409.75 kilometers in January 2024 when he walked around the Iberian peninsula.

So far, his Herculean journey has spanned Turkey, Bulgaria, Serbia, Hungary, and soon Austria. Now, he can take a moment to reflect, with the record books calling his name, having walked the distance from Malin Head to Mizen Head, and back again three times, as well as the distance from Killala to Ballindine for good measure.

However, his task is far from done. Ahead of him lies another mind-boggling 2,200 kilometres of road, with Austria, Germany, the Netherlands, England, and the Emerald Isle still to traverse without even the comfort of a pair of shoes.

It's hard to know when Eamonn will see the spire of Saint Colman's Church once again. However, one thing is for certain: when he does walk down the main street and into Ward's, that pint of Guinness will be waiting for him.

Eamonn has so far raised over €40,000 for charities since the start of his challenges. Now, with the mammoth task of making it home to Claremorris from Turkey on foot, he will be asking people to donate to two worthy causes.

The first half of his donations will go to the mental health group Jigsaw. The other half will be donated to Friends of the Earth, an environmental organisation working to create a sustainable future.

“I’m conscious of the fact that people are being asked to donate to a lot of different fundraisers,” he said. “We’re in the midst of a cost-of-living crisis, so I’m chuffed with the amount so far. It’s for two really good causes.”

So far, he has raised a huge €2,925 of his €10,000 target on iDonate, and is hoping to reach his target by the end of his Herculean endeavour.

Those wishing to donate to his efforts can do so via his iDonate page here..