This year’s challenge took place across 13 days and began on Monday, July 13 with participants walking, running and cycling a combined 243km, the equivalent distance from Na Magha to Croke Park in Dublin, two pitches that Aodhan loved and played on. Nineteen-year-old Aodhán was a talented hurler with Na Magha and Derry. He sadly passed away in July 2018 and since then his family, friends and the local community have come together each year to honour his memory and fundraise for organisations that support the community he loved.
This year’s charities were Foyle Search & Rescue, ARC Fitness, and Northlands with photographer Deidre Heaney (nwpresspics) on hand to capture the occasion…...
1. The kids getting ready to start their race at the AOD Challenge 2026 held at The Daisyfield. (Photo - Deirdre Heaney, nwpresspics)
The kids getting ready to start their race at the AOD Challenge 2026 held at The Daisyfield. (Photo - Deirdre Heaney, nwpresspics) Photo: Deirdre Heaney
2. Ronan O’Donnell holds his young son Oran on his shoulders at the end of the kids race at the AOD Challenge 2026 held at The Daisyfield. (Photo - Deirdre Heaney, nwpresspics)
Ronan O’Donnell holds his young son, Oran, on his shoulders at the end of the kids race at the AOD Challenge 2026 held at The Daisyfield. (Photo - Deirdre Heaney, nwpresspics) Photo: Deirdre Heaney
3. AOD Challenge 2026 with donations going to FSR, ARC and Northlands. (Photo - Deirdre Heaney, nwpresspics)
AOD Challenge 2026 with donations going to FSR, ARC and Northlands. (Photo - Deirdre Heaney, nwpresspics) Photo: Deirdre Heaney
4. Cillian Burns winner of the kids race at the AOD Challenge 2026 held at The Daisyfield. (Photo - Deirdre Heaney, nwpresspics)
Cillian Burns winner of the kids race at the AOD Challenge 2026 held at The Daisyfield. (Photo - Deirdre Heaney, nwpresspics) Photo: Deirdre Heaney