Last year I was very lucky to have been asked last minute to make a film for RTE about Tony Coote, a priest who had recently been diagnosed with Moror Neuron Disease and had set himself the challenge of walking the length of Ireland to raise awareness of the disease and raise funds for those who suffered from it.

I had little idea of the adventure ahead….the walk turned into a pilgrimmage which inspired people all over the country and raised over half a million euros. As well being a serious endeavour, it was also full of craic and laughter, and lifelong friends were made.

It was a pleasure and an education to spend time with Tony and interview him at length about his beliefs and motivations, and to observe the positive community-building he inspired in others around him.

Tony finally lost his battle with MND last week, but his legacy will live on.

My film for RTE 1 ‘Walking the Walk’, exec produced by Roger Childs, is currently available once again to view on the RTE Player: https://www.rte.ie/player/movie/walking-the-walk/85894184331