Joey smashes his Duathlon for Des challenge
Image 1 of 2
Thirteen year old Joey Hurley with family and supporters at the end of his 2km Kayak and 10km run Duathlon for Des challenge. Photos: John Allen John AllenImage 2 of 2
Joey Hurley in his kayak on the final stretch of his 2km Kayak and 10km run heading back to Summercove in Kinsale escorted by the RNLI at the end of his Duathlon for Des challenge. John AllenA 12 year old Kinsale boy has completed a gruelling physical challenge cheered on by hundreds in order to raise funds for Kinsale RNLI.
Last Saturday Joey Hurley kayaked from the Bullman in Kinsale to James Fort (1 kilometre). He then ran from James Fort to Charles Fort and back (10.25 kilometres) and then kayaked from James Fort back to the Bullman (1 kilometre)!
The 12 year old dedicated his challenge to the memory of his uncle Des and his beloved nana, Helen Gabriel.
Joey lost his godfather and best friend Des Hurley back in December 2023 following a tragic accident at sea. His family, the wider community and especially his nephew Joey was devastated by the fisherman’s loss.
Joey was deeply affected but he bravely channelled his grief into exercise with the help of friend and personal trainer Mickey Power, who understood how shock and sadness can affect someone so young.
With Mikey’s support and encouragement, Joey decided to take on a gruelling physical challenge in memory of his uncle and the Duathlon for Des was born.
Joey was joined by a flotilla of kayakers, including his dad Mark, uncles and aunts Christopher, Cian, Jemma and Vikki and Jason and Dave of the extended Gabriel family.
Joey was cheered on by hundreds of well wishers who lined his route through town. The Duathlon for Des fundraising page on iDonate has already surpassed the €19,400 mark and will remain open for further donations.
This outpouring of generosity is testament to the esteem in which the Hurley and Gabriel families are held, and to Joey’s fortitude as tragedy struck again on 25 July with the sudden death of his nana, the much loved Bandon woman Helen Gabriel.
Despite this new heartbreak, Joey vowed to continue with his challenge as his nana had been so proud when he told her of his plans.
If you would like to support Joey visit the Duathlon for Des page on iDonate - https://www.justgiving.com/page/marion-gabriel-1722358410456.
Duathalon for Des is one of a number of fundraising activities taking place in the month of August for Kinsale RNLI. The funds raised through these events will go to fund the lifeboat charity’s search and rescue work. This year, the RNLI is celebrating 200 years of saving lives at sea.