Every cent is valuable as Kathy Butler urges people to discover Leitrim’s Hidden Gems

Urging Leitrim people to get out and discover the county’s Hidden Gems as part of the 2026 50 Miles in January Challenge, Leitrim LGFA Chairperson Kathy Butler has stressed that “every cent is valued” ahead of the joint Leitrim GAA & LGFA fundraising campaign.

Speaking at the launch of the Challenge in the Carrick Business Campus, Kathy said “We’re delighted that it's back up and running and we’re asking everyone to get behind the 50 Miles in January Challenge and use it as the opportunity to get out and about and to run, walk, connect.

“We're  encouraging people to unearth the hidden gems in terms of scenery, history around the county and showcase those on the Facebook groups, track your runs and your walks on the Strava group and get involved and share the links as widely as possible and spread the word that Leitrim is the place to be.”

Speaking of the link up with Leitrim GAA in the Challenge, Kathy said “It's been such a positive collaboration over the years and while we paused it last year for Quid Games, we've decided to revisit it and really take into it with renewed enthusiasm and there's been real energy about it and new personnel involved and it's been a really positive journey so far. 

“I think the Challenge captures the imagination of everybody, particularly those far away and then obviously you have the more local contingent and  in terms of the time of the year, it gives people real energy and an impetus to get out and about -  there's a health benefit to that  and a really holistic approach to it and a really positive piece attached to it.”

WALK AND RUN IN THE NEW YEAR WITH LEITRIM GAA & LGFA 50 MILES IN JANUARY CHALLENGE

Behind the Challenge is a serious need for finance to keep Leitrim teams on the road and Kathy admits the challenge is getting harder each year: “The reality is that everything is getting more expensive and has done year on year, even in the short period of time that I've been involved.

“The costs have risen exponentially and now that teams are back on the road, that's when the bills will start to accumulate and every cent is valuable. We really appreciate all of the support and the sponsorship that comes in and it doesn't matter how big or small, every cent is really valued.

“The girls on the ground, those who benefit from it, appreciate that and they understand how hard  money is to come by.  Every squad and every bus costs money and every pitch and every training session costs a few euro, and more than a few euro, so that's the reality of it. 

“You're trying to ensure that you've got pitches available for U16s, U14s, minors, etc and then your Player Development Programme squads etc and obviously there's costs attached to it. So many companies have been so helpful and supportive of those younger squads.

“We saw really fantastic support this year across 14s, 16s and minors and it was paid back in terms of some really positive  performances across all three teams but also the 16s getting to the All-Ireland Final was really positive.”