Tuam's Brendan bikin' it to Euros 2016

TUAM'S Brendan Monaghan is biking his way to France and has pedalled across Ireland and is about to start his French part of the journey bringing him to Paris for the Republic of Ireland's first match in Euro 2016.

Brendan's departure from The Square in Tuam on Wednesday was an emotional one. Already the athlete has raised €4,000 for Tuam Cancer Care when he cycled to, climbed Croagh Patrick, and cycled home last month.
Now he is hoping to raise further funds over this nine day challenge where he will cover a 700km route.

“I am due into Cherbourg at 4.30pm local time on Friday evening and from there I will cycle to Saint Brieuc. The following day will be tough as it’s a 200 km cycle into Evreux but the Sunday shouldn’t be too bad as it’s only 90 km to the outskirts of Paris.
“Then on Monday I’ve a 25km trip into the Stade de France for the match against Sweden, which I was lucky enough to get a ticket for. I’m delighted I’ll be there to cheer on the boys in green, all we need now is the right result.”
Brendan’s return trip, which involves a train from Paris to Cherbourg and then the ferry back to Rosslare, should see him back in Tuam next Thursday evening.
“I’m not sure yet where my wife Trish will pick me up but I’ll cycle as far up as I can from Rosslare,” he said.
“People have been so generous with their donations so far it’s been overwhelming but for anyone who would still like to make a contribution they can do so on my www.idonate.ie page.'

Here's a snippet of Brendan's personal Facebook diary of the challenge so far.

• Day One (Wed) Tuam to Kilkenny.

“Leaving Tuam yesterday was very difficult as some of you know that Patricia's lovely sister Mary died on Tuesday night after a long and very courageous battle with Motor Neuron Disease .
Trish and the rest of the family wanted me to go ahead with the cycle and I am 100% sure that Mary would want me to go ahead as she always supported everything we did.
It was a long day of 183 km and there was a headwind all the way. How anyone can do an Ironman and run a full marathon after 180k on the bike is beyond me!
Today is 100 km to the ferry port where Matt Cooper will be broadcasting live from 4 to 7pm.
Thanks for all the good wishes and all the donations to Tuam Cancer Care and sincere thanks to everyone who came out yesterday to see me off.”

• Day Two (Thurs) Kilkenny to Rosslare

“I discovered today that there are a LOT of hills between Kilkenny and Rosslare. It was very warm again but not as hot as yesterday.
I arrived in Rosslare in good time and we were all treated to free food and drink by Stena Line and Today FM. I even got the chance to talk to Matt Cooper at the end of the show and that will be on the Podcast.
I got Ray Houghton to sign my Italia 90 t-shirt and also had a good chat with Mark Keneally who ran the Olympic Marathon in London 2012.
Settling down now for a long night on the ferry.
Thanks for all the good wishes and comments they are definitely keeping me going.”