Fundraisers cycle the length of Ireland in under 24 hours

MEN ON A MISSION Pictured are the group who cycled the length of Ireland in under 24 hours, from left: Pat Murtagh, Colm Carney, Alan Heaney, Garrry Bigley, Pat Bilbow, Jonathon Verry, Gerry Boots and Gary Smyth.

Cory Kilbane

LAST Friday, June 16, eight determined cycling enthusiasts undertook the grueling challenge of cycling 600km from Mizen Head in Co Cork to Malin Head in Co Donegal.
The cycle was a fundraising one in aid of Mayo Roscommon Hospice and was undertaken over a period of 24 hours non-stop.
The group, led by Killasser man Alan Heaney, raised in the region €15,000 altogether and they are hoping to raise more in the coming weeks.
“We would like to take the opportunity to thank all who have donated to this fund, we have raised over €13,000 online and approximately €2,500 offline so hope we to collect more in the next few weeks. The event has being self-financed so all proceeds will go directly to the hospice,” said Alan, who explained that the eight men who took part completed the cycle in an outstanding time of 23 hours and 20 minutes, they arriving into Malin Head at 5:20pm, 40 minutes ahead of schedule.
“It’s a serious test of mental, physical and emotional strength but we were well prepared with all the midnight and early morning training spins over the last three months – we cycled up to 300km some nights,” said Alan Heaney.
“We had a solid plan. When legs got tired, heads dropped and fatigue kicked in, but we stuck to the plan and I am delighted with our achievement. Those 24 hours will stay with me forever,” added Mr Heaney.
“I would like to thank all our fellow cyclists and our support team (seven in total – Paddy Cunney, Martin Conlon, Brendan Doyle, Niall McGauran, Seamus McDonagh, Brian O’Riordan and Aidan Fallon) who was at our beck and call for the whole 600km journey. Some of these guys didn’t get a wink of sleep in almost two days. Without them, we definitely would not have completed our task,” he concluded.

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Donations can still be made online at https://give.everydayhero.com/ie/sub-24-hour-mizen-to-malin-cycle.