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Vincent Whelan

Barry McGuigan's tribute to daughter Danika as he prepares for charity climb

Barry McGuigan appeared on The Late Late Show ahead of his participation in Charlie Bird's charity fundraiser which will see him and countless others join the RTE legend in scaling Croagh Patrick bright and early tomorrow.

The climb is in aid of both Motor Neurone Disease and Pieta House and has already raised in excess of €1m.

The Clones Cyclone spoke with Ryan Tubridy, who will also be making the trek, about how his tragic daughter Danika is a source of inspiration for him in motivating him to take part in what will be an arduous enough climb in poor conditions.

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He explained: "I want to do it because of Charlie first of all.

"Then you do it for your personal sort of thing so I want to do it as a dedication to my daughter who I lost almost three years ago.

"And it's good for your soul and for Vicky Phelan and Charlie it's fantastic and I want to be there for them."

Sadly for Barry and his family, his daughter's death at the age of just 33 isn't the only tragedy to have befallen them.

He also recalled how his brother took his own life at 34 as well as his father passing away at 52.

Like Nika, Barry's sister Sharon also died of cancer in 2020.

He added: "We're all sad about certain things.

"We all lose members of our family but tomorrow's our way of exercising our right to be sad at our grief by just going up and down that hill."

The powerful sentiment struck a chord with viewers who held back tears while watching from their couches, reports the Irish Mirror.

Polly wrote: "Absolutely in pieces watching #BarryMcGuigan, Christ it would tear the heart out of you."

While Brian added: "I love Barry McGuigan. Wears his heart on his sleeve."

And Lyndsey commented: "My heart aches for Barry McGuigan every time I hear him talk. You can feel his pain through his words."

Colm tweeted: "What a great guy Barry McGuigan is.

"Fantastic attitude having gone through so much in such a short space of time. Really puts things in to perspective."

Lastly Noel said: "I feel so much for Barry McGuigan - on the edge of breaking down.

"Too much suffering for any family over the past 3 years. A very emotional #LateLateShow this evening."

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