Letterkenny's Margaret Coyle marks 50th birthday with special tribute climb

Letterkenny woman Margaret Coyle has marked her 50th birthday with a special climb in memory of her late father. Margaret celebrated her milestone birthday last month, an occasion she said she does not take for granted. 'I know so many people sadly didn't get the chance to reach this age, so I'm truly grateful to be able to mark mine,' Margaret said. On 15th August, Margaret climbed Croagh Patrick with three close friends, Mary Duddy, Mary Neely and Mary Devlin, in memory of her late father Jim Coyle. The date was a personal one for Margaret, as it marked 50 years since her father's passing. 'Sadly, I never got the opportunity to know my dad, but this was something I always wanted to do in his memory,' she said. 'It definitely was a tough climb, but the support I got going up helped me reach the top. 'Massive thanks to Mary Duddy, Mary Neely and Mary Devlin. Croagh Patrick holds a special place in my heart.' Margaret's 50th birthday is just one of several milestones in a remarkable year. On 14th October, she will celebrate 10 years since she gave up cigarettes. She said the decision came after returning from Dublin with Mary Devlin, where she had abseiled off the roof of Croke Park for charity. 'To be honest, I didn't think I would last a week,' Margaret said. 'But thank God, here I am 10 years later, still smoke-free.' Margaret is also preparing to mark 25 years of fundraising. Ten of those years included fundraising for Romania and travelling there to work in orphanages. Over the years, Margaret has supported many local charities and has now raised well over €60,000 for various good causes. Margaret said fundraising has become one of the great passions of her life. 'Fundraising is my number one hobby, apart from playing bingo,' she said. 'But helping others is what makes it all worthwhile.' This year, Margaret's annual hamper draw will be held in aid of the Donegal Women's Centre. Details will be announced in due course. 'All this would not be possible without the continued support of my sponsors and everyone who helps me every year,' Margaret said.