Cork teen remembered

A Cork teenager who died of a rare type of cancer is to be remembered during an epic charity cycle from Mizen to Malin Head starting this Sunday.

Volunteers are gearing up to cycle the length of the country to raise funds for national charity Cian’s Kennels.

Launching from Mizen Head, the first day of the six-day journey will be dedicated to the memory of Cliodhna Barrett Murphy from Doneraile, Co. Cork, who died in 2020 after a brave battle with Ewing’s sarcoma. She was just 16 years old.

Cian’s Kennels was launched by the parents of Cian Neary who died in 2019. The charity brings pets closer to sick children and their families at CHI Crumlin by providing pet kennels and transport, and a space for children and their families to spend time with their pets while undergoing hospital treatment.

Cian and Cliodhna got to know each other in hospital during their treatment.

Cliodhna’s parents Niamh Barrett and Barry Murphy said: “Cliodhna was diagnosed with Ewing’s sarcoma on 5 September 2018, the day our lives changed forever. Cliodhna was a bubbly and very active teenager who loved life.

“Cliodhna was passionate about her horse Angel. She also had two cats, Tayto and Chocolate, and her dog Ted. They really helped her get through her days. She always smiled and looked positively at her treatment. She did three exams in her Junior Cert and was so delighted with her results. She set up an Instagram page to help others going through childhood cancer #Ewingsfighter and became good friends with Cian in Crumlin.

“We love and miss Cliodhna so much every minute of the day. She will be forever 16.”

All are invited to join the cycle for the entire trip, or for as many days as they like. Visit cianskennels.ie for details. The charity greatly appreciates all donations which make a real difference in the lives of sick children and their families across Ireland.

To keep up to date with the cycle in real time, follow @mizentomalin23 on Instagram, or 'Mizen to Malin in aid of Cian's Kennels' on Facebook where the team will be sharing the entire journey.

The cycle begins on 17 September at Mizen Head, Co. Cork, and hopes to reach Malin Head in Co. Donegal on 22 September.