Northern Ireland

New route unveiled for Martin McGuinness Chieftain's Walk

Martin McGuinness's widow Bernie was joined by family members at the launch of the second Chieftain's Walk in memory of the former deputy first minister
Martin McGuinness's widow Bernie was joined by family members at the launch of the second Chieftain's Walk in memory of the former deputy first minister Martin McGuinness's widow Bernie was joined by family members at the launch of the second Chieftain's Walk in memory of the former deputy first minister

ORGANISERS of the second 'Chieftain’s Walk' in memory of former deputy first minister Martin McGuinness have unveiled a new route.

Thousands of people took part in last year’s inaugural walk from Derry to Grianan of Aileach fort across the border in Co Donegal.

It marked the first anniversary of Mr McGuinness’s death following a short illness on March 21 2017 at the age of 66.

This year’s walk will take place within Derry city, from Ebrington Square in the Waterside to the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium, on Sunday March 24.

The city’s Foyle Hospice and Altnagelvin Hospital’s Intensive Care Unit have been selected as beneficiaries of money raised.

Mr McGuinness’s widow Bernie was joined by other family members at the official launch of the walk at Ebrington Square yesterday.

Read More: Chieftain's Walk raises £30,000 for cancer charity

The former Sinn Féin MP's son Fiachra said the family wished to make the Chieftain’s Walk part of his father’s legacy, adding that everyone registering would receive a special memento of the day.

“Last year was a very emotional experience for us as a family to see so many people turning out to remember our father and raise funds for the North West Cancer Centre. Once again, local charities will benefit from the walk so people can still register and donate even if they can’t make it on the day,” he said.

Conor Heaney, one of the organisers of the walk, said the new route was selected because both the Brandywell and Ebrington were important sites for Mr McGuinness.

“I worked closely with Martin on the development of both Ebrington and the Brandywell. He very much saw them as key parts of Derry’s regeneration which he was so passionate about," he said.

“Ebrington in particular is a place that he saw as symbolic of the transformation that has taken place in Derry and which he did so much to bring about.

"Here is a site that was once a British military installation, now a key civic space, providing employment and investment as well as hosting some of the most memorable and positive events to take place in this city."

Registration is available at a charge of £10 at the website register.primoevents.com/ps/event/chieftainswalk2019.