Final Stage: Ballybofey to Malin Head, Sat 30th August

The final leg of the journey.

Along the last winding 80 Km of road; Stranorlar, Carndonagh, Burt, Burnfoot, Muff and Malin.We were up and on the road early (if not quite as early as Rob's brother Ian and nephew Stephen, who had left Blessington at 5.30am in order to join us for the last leg, thanks lads) and the lads set off with all the enthusiasm of two young bucks fresh out of Templemore.

In no time at all they'd pulled into Muff for a short respite, spirits high, only 40K to go and all to play for. What they didn't realise at that stage was that those last 40K were mostly up some fairly serious Donegal hills, and I wasn't going to be the one to break it to them. So back in the saddles they went, and off like blazes.

The entourage went ahead to Malin, and waited. Eventually a yellow dot appeared at the foot of the mountain, with a blue one in hot pursuit. With a serious show of guts and determination they inched their way towards us, and soon we could see Robert's gorgeous hair blowing in the wind, and Phil's ever present smile, in spite of the fact that he was now downwind of one of the most notorious behinds in Irish amateur cycling history.

The last 500 metres must have been torture on the legs, but they drew side by side and kept it going, and they were there. 660KM later, they crossed the line together, to a massive round of applause from those assembled.

It was only when they were off the bikes it hit them, and me, what the whole thing had been all about. The feeling that a fitting tribute to two wonderful people had been achieved gave us such a feeling of pride, that I think it pressed out a tear from everyone.

So, finished. All that remained was to pack up the bikes, and make our way home. When we got there, a banquet had been laid out... The families were there to meet us, a kiss, a barbeque, a beer, a shower. Heaven.

What we'd like to know now is how much money has been raised for the charities... Early indications are between thirteen and fifteen thousand euro. That much will make a difference, well done lads, and thanks a million to those who've given cash, time, resources, cash, or cash. And if anyone has any spare cash, it's not too late!

Post Script

The local youths' football tournament, which takes place in Blessington every year, had it's final matches of the year on the Sunday after we got home. There's a food stall staffed by the ladies who organise the tournament, and they donated this year's proceeds, 369 euro, to the fund. Thanks to Connie, Annmarie, Ann and Geraldine.



It was a great day, as you can see from the pictures, and featured for the first time a game for pre-schoolers, which was the highlight of the day. This match is to be played every year, and will be "The Conor Curran Friendly Football Game" from next year.

There is sure to be another post here in the weeks to come, to let ye know how much you've helped us to raise, and to thank all those who have helped us to raise it (of whom there is a MASSIVE list under construction).

Until then,
Tom

Final Stage: Photos

Ian & Stephen Lackey
Tommy & Chris Blanchfield

Martin & Mary McVerry

The hills of Donegal

Rob reports the stolen yellow jersey to a Donegal colleague

Stage 5: Strandhill to Ballybofey, Fri 29th August

Day Five: The second last leg of the journey, taking us from Strandhill in Co. Sligo to Ballybofey, Co. Donegal.
Along the road, Sligo Town, Drummcliff, Cashelgarran, Grange, Castlegal, Bundoran, Ballintra, Laghy, Donegal Town, Druminnin and Barnesmore.

Again the lads had some gorgeous views en route to distract them, and again they kept it going at a good pace. At one stage Robert swallowed a fly, and, sensing his opportunity, Philip made a break from the pack. Hammering home his advantage, O'Byrne made it to our lodgings in time to have his feet up before Lackey and support vehicle arrived, and he now takes the yellow jersey going into the final day's cycle. He had this to say: "What kept ye?"

The accommodation was perfect again, and thanks to Patricia at the Steeple View B&B. We all had showers, and headed into Ballybofey in search of fodder. Tommy and Chris Blanchfield had made the journey up to offer support on the final leg, and they treated us to a hearty dinner of steaks which was just was just what the support driver had ordered. Thanks!

After that a couple of pints in the plush surrounds of Jackson's Hotel, and it was back to the B&B to watch the Tour of Ireland on TV, and muttering "You can tell none of them swallowed a fly" before a last good nights' sleep.

So, the end is in sight. Next stop, Malin Head...

Stage 5: Photos

Still smiling














With Patricia at Steepleview B&B, Ballybofey


.. O'Byrne in the yellow Jersey??

"Here you go Bert!"
"Thanks Ernie!"

Stage 4: Athlone to Strandhill, Thurs 28th August

Day four: 118.6 kilometers through Berrybeg; Barrymore (Michael?); Knockcroghery; Roscommon; Boyle; Tulsk; Sligo; Strandhill… (and unscheduled visit to Collooney)

We were waved off from the Athlone Springs by Jenny, Olga & the girls with renewed energy and in high spirits. A food and water stop in Boyle saw Phil discover the reason for the pain he’d be suffering all morning in the saddle region.. it was a boil of his own which he thinks might even be septic.. nice!

The lads made their first wrong turn of the trip into the town of Collooney. On discovering that they might be lost Rob asked a local man, explaining they were looking for Strandhill. They got a look from the old man as if they’d just said they were looking for the road to Timbuktu and with much huffing and puffing he eventually replied “ Well now, yis are on wrong road all together…” After about 10 minutes of explaining they discovered they were only about 100 meters off the right road, which just ran parallel to the road they were on. The lads thanked the man and moved off rather swiftly as the strange look in the man eyes became more pronounced…

After a tough climb into Strandhill, we were met with the beautiful view of the Atlantic. A beautiful place, lovely scenery and great surf. Peter in The Dunes Tavern had supplied us with a fantastic self contained apartment (again free of charge, very sound man Peter) and Rob made us a fine dinner of pasta & tuna. A quick dip in the Atlantic followed with a game of American football on the beach.

A visit to a local hostelry, The Strand pub, saw us meeting up with a local wedding and also with a social outing of a local Irish Dancing troupe. On explaining why we were in town, I was sponsored €70 to perform an Irish dance. Never one to shy away from a performance (or a fine looking lady with ringlets) I was quick to take to the floor with one of ladies to dance a two-handed reel Michael Flatley himself would be proud of. So with another €70 in the kitty and a couple of celebratory pints in our bellies, we slept happy men.

So, we’re all still in high-spirits. The lads will have the hills of Donegal to contend with over the next couple of days but we’re looking forward to meeting up with Tommy & Chris in Ballybofey Friday night. The lads have a few niggles, sore knees and that but reports of nappy rash are still unconfirmed.

If you want to email the lads with any words of support/slagging etc please email me on thomasblanchfield@hotmail.com

Tom

Quote of the day (as suggested by Rob):

“ Hold your feckin' horses missus, this is a RESIDENTAL DISTRICT!” - Tom, shouting at an irate driver out the window of the van, on being over-taken coming out of Boyle.

Stage 4: Photos

Thanks to Peter in The Dunes Tavern for the great apartment

Just like a woman's but with muscles

Leaving the Athlone Springs - Rob with Rosa & Jenny

Stage 3: Photos

Management at the Athlone Springs Hotel - thank you

Rob & Phil attract some young fans - Rosa, Emma,Martha & Grace

Rob looks a bit lost

Phil gets ahead...

Tom gets distracted

Rob's sneaky sprint start

Tom's view for 6 days

Tom's Pride & Joy

Stage 3: Killarney to Athlone, Wed 27th August

Day Three: 124 Kilometres today, from Limerick to Athlone. AA's route-planner took us through Lisnagry, Birdhill, Nenagh, Borrisokane, Birr, Cloghan, Ferbane, Ballynahown and Athlone.

It looked to be the most gruelling day so far, it was the longest leg of the journey, and the 360KM they've covered in three days has to be taking it's toll on the lads' legs (Although they're STILL not complaining). The view along the way was great once we were off the N7, and there was the first in a series of special sprint stages, to the general indifference of the watching horses. Despite Rob's sneaky start, Phil came back to claim a draw, so it's a half-point each on that score. I'll keep you posted...

As I said it was the longest leg of the journey, so the lads were delighted to be reaching Athlone. Robert rang ahead to the support vehicle ("Vanda Bleu"?) to find out how to reach the hotel (The Athlone Springs, again we were sponsored for a room, and thanks to Paul for that!) for the night, only to be told they had a further 15K to go to reach it. He had this to say; "Right."

On reaching the hotel though, it was smiles and hugs all round. Jenny and Olga had driven from Castletown in Wexford to meet us, and Emma, Martha, Grace, Rosa and Lucy too. It cheered the lads up no end to see them all, and everyone went straight to the hotel's gorgeous leisure centre for a well earned swim. Any aching muscles were soon forgotten and we all had a grand oul evening.

And so, after another breakfast of champions, it's off to (sunny?) Strandhill...
Tom

Stage 2: More photos

Lorraine from Travelodge Limerick - thanks for the great support

Kevin from Killarney Advertiser - thanks for all the support

Broken indicator!

Stage 2: Photos

Rob's reservations at leaving Tom in charge of the back-up bikes were confirmed

............due to a technical hitch, other photos of the day's antics will follow.