PICTURES: Laois goes purple for Alzheimer’s memory walk

Communities across Ireland turned out on Sunday, September 20, 2026, for the annual Alzheimer’s Memory Walk, raising vital funds and awareness for local dementia services. The nationwide event brought together families, local champions, and thousands of participants across counties including Donegal, Laois, Carlow, and Kilkenny ahead of World Alzheimer’s Day.

Communities across multiple Irish counties gathered under clear September skies to take part in the seventh annual Alzheimer’s Memory Walk, supported by Aviva. The nationwide family-friendly event serves as the charity’s largest fundraiser, designed to highlight both the challenges faced by those living with the condition and the strength of the families and carers supporting them.

County Laois Turns Purple at Ballyroan-Abbey GAA Club

In County Laois, the local Memory Walk marked its fifth year, drawing a strong turnout to the Ballyroan-Abbey GAA Club on Sunday, September 20, 2026. The event was headed up by Grainne Roche-Duff, who serves as the Laois Daycare Manager and Homecare Co-ordinator for The Alzheimer Society of Ireland.

For Roche-Duff, the cause carries deep personal resonance. Her mother, Noreen, lived with early-onset dementia for ten and a half years while cared for at home by her husband, giving the Laois organizer a profound firsthand understanding of the journey faced by families.

PICTURES: Laois goes purple for Alzheimer’s memory walk — Photo: leinsterexpress.ie

It’s close to my heart as well, because my own mother had Alzheimer’s for ten and a half years. She got early-onset dementia, and my dad minded her at home for that duration, so I’d have a fairly big insight into it.

Roche Duff, Laois Daycare Manager and Homecare Co-ordinator for the Alzheimer Society of Ireland

Participants in Ballyroan chose between two-kilometer and three-kilometer flat routes starting at 11 a.m. Walkers traversed the secure pitch before gathering at Scully’s for post-walk refreshments and conversation. Local figures, including Willie Aird TD, joined community members, families, and photographers on the grounds.

Scenic Forest Trails Unite Donegal Walkers in Ballybofey

Further north in County Donegal, participants gathered at Jackson’s Hotel car park in Ballybofey before setting off on a scenic one-to-five-kilometer route through Dromboe Woods. The Donegal gathering unites communities just ahead of World Alzheimer’s Day on September 21, drawing support from local leaders and figures such as Donegal Rose Emma Nelis.

Local Champion Jennifer Carr led the Donegal walk, stepping out in honor of her late grandmother and those currently navigating the condition. Nationally, the Alzheimer’s Memory Walk supported by Aviva builds on significant momentum from previous years. In 2025, almost 3,000 walkers participated across the country, raising over €240,000 to sustain critical ASI supports, including daycare facilities, family carer training, social clubs, dementia cafés, and the National Helpline.

I’m proud to be leading our annual Alzheimer’s Memory Walk supported by Aviva to help fund local dementia services in Donegal. This walk is personal for me as I walk in memory of my grandmother and for all those who are living with dementia today. The event is about community and helping spread awareness by walking together to raise vital funds for care, support, and hope for the days ahead. Join me on Sunday, 20th September in Ballybofey to show your support.

Jennifer Carr, Local Champion for Donegal

Expanding Routes Across Carlow, Kilkenny, and Nationwide

The nationwide footprint extended well beyond Laois and Donegal, with more than 40 separate events taking place across the country. In the Southeast, walkers across Carlow and Kilkenny took to local paths on Sunday morning for the seventh annual installment of the event. Participants in Carlow convened at Oak Park, while walkers in Kilkenny met inside Switzer’s Gate to complete a five-kilometer route through Kilkenny Castle Park, as detailed by KCLR96FM.

Skyline Goes Purple For Alzheimer's Awareness

Roche-Duff noted that the initiative aims to honour both those who have passed away and those living well with Dementia, offering a supportive environment where families can share experiences, secure resources, and combat isolation.

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