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Diarmaid in round-Ireland cycle 12.07.10

by Eamonn MacDermott, Inishowen Independent

THE Tour de France got under way last week, but one local man is undertaking a gruelling 2,000km Tour of Ireland. Carndonagh's Diarmaid Gallagher will attempt to cycle around the coast of Ireland to raise funds for the Irish Heart Foundation.
Accompanied by Galway man, Liam Breathnach, Diarmaid left Carn yesterday at 8am to cycle almost 2,000 kilometres around the coast of Ireland. The pair hope to complete their challenge in three weeks.
Diarmaid explained: “This idea began when we were both based in Switzerland and we discussed cycling around Ireland. The idea was just floated and we decided that we would give it a try so we have been in training since then.
”Having said that it took me about three weeks to get my head around the idea.”

He added: “We know it is going to be tough going but we would hope to cover 100 kilometres a day. “This of course would depend on the weather and the terrain we are travelling through.”
The pair are depending on friends to support them as they travel around Ireland.
“We have friends who will support us in various parts of the country but we are also bringing tents and the like in case they are needed,“ said the Carn local.
While Liam Breathnach is no

stranger to the physical challenge having run several marathons, this sort of endeavour is new to Diarmaid.
“I have cycled around Lake Como in Italy and a lake in Germany but have never undertaken a challenge of this scale.”
The pair are hoping that their challenge will raise much-needed funds for the Irish Heart Foundation.
“We were planning to do this anyway and we thought if we were going to put ourselves through this sort of thing then we might as well raise funds for a good cause. We are still actively seeking sponsorship and the Irish heart Foundation will be sending out sponsorship cards.
“We will also be putting up posters and stuff as we go around Ireland.“
The cycle will take the following route: Carndonagh – Portrush - Ballycastle – Larne – Belfast – Downpatrick – Carlingford Lough – Dundalk – Dublin – Wicklow – Wexford – Waterford – Cork - Kerry - Limerick – Doolin – Inis Oirr – Rossaveel – Clifden – Westport – Ballina – Sligo – Donegal Town – Slieve League – Carndonagh
Sponsorship may be given to the charity direct through the following link or through sponsorship cards - www.mycharity.ie .

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