A group of women boxers from a renowned gym in West Belfast are putting their best foot forward by facing the challenge of a lifetime.
The nine friends from McCullaghs Gym in the west of the city are tackling the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage in Spain.
The Camino de Santiago, also known as the Way of St James, is a renowned trek of medieval origin that sees people of all faiths and none journey to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, northwest Spain.
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In more modern times the Camino de Santiago is viewed as a trip of a lifetime with its routes attracting thousands of people from all over the world every year.
The group from Northern Ireland set out in September and leading the expedition in memory of her late Father is Patricia McCullagh, daughter of the boxing coach Paul McCullagh Senior.
Paul coached World Champion flyweight Dave Boy McAuley to numerous IBF and WBA titles in Belfast throughout the period when The Troubles in Belfast were at their very worst.
And according to the legendary promoter Barney Eastwood, Paul was central to the success of so many great boxers who came out of Belfast at the time. Indeed many commentators on the sport regarded Paul as one of the most successful coaches in Europe in that period.
His philosophy was summed up in the expression he often used: "Anything less than everything you’ve got just wont do!"
And so with this spirit of determination and the will to face a mighty challenge the nine women boxers will head off this September to bring Belfast to the Camino.
Patricia will also be remembering her sister Lisa who sadly passed away from cancer. Both sisters had made a promise that they would walk The Way to Santiago but sadly that was never to be.
Veteran of 11 successful Caminos, Belfast man Eddie McCullough is mentoring the group and passing on all his year's of experience walking "The Way".
Eddie has no doubt about their passion and ability to take on the challenge.
He said: “I know what it takes to complete The Camino and I have no doubt these women have what it takes to drive them on towards reaching Santiago.”
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