There’s no doubt about it, these are surreal times we’re all living through.

As we adapt to this new altered normality, different routines get established and, for some, different goals are being set. In Cathal Freeman’s case, the target he’s aiming at is a big one, even if the dimensions within which he plans to achieve it are far from expansive.

You see, the Tooreen and Mayo hurler has undertaken to run a marathon this coming Sunday in his back garden. That’s right – a 42km (or, in old money, just a touch over 26 miles) trot around a space that looks like this:

But that’s not all. Not content with running any old marathon the UL medical student has decided to do his while soloing a sliotar. Well, they do like their hurling in Tooreen.

The background to this rather bonkers, but very worthwhile, escapade is set out in a piece in The 42 – that’s here. Ger Flanagan also has an interview with Cathal in the Mayo News – here.

Cathal’s back garden marathon is a fundraiser for both the Irish Cancer Society and for the purchase of much-needed PPE equipment for HSE workers. Both great causes, well worthy of your support and Cathal’s Go Fund Me page, where the donations are already racking up nicely, is here.

Restricted as we all are to a radius of no more than 2km of where we live, you may find yourself with some spare time on Sunday morning. Cathal’s starts his estimated 1,400 laps out back at 11am and Mayo GAA have come on board to stream the event live via Facebook – the link for where that will be happening is here.

The best of luck to Cathal in his endeavours on Sunday morning. Please do, if you can, support this worthy cause.