Borrisokane native embarks on long cycle
A native of Borrisokane is to embark on a 1,000km solo cycle in aid of Diabetes Ireland after his teenage daugther was diagnosed with the Type 1 Diabetes.
Ger O’Sullivan (59) who is now living in Shannonbridge, Co Offaly, will cycle from Ballinasloe to Mizen Head and then up to Malin Head from July 25 to 30 for the charity that he says has become close to his heart.
Ger has opened a JustGiving page for those who would like to contribute to the cause online.
He explained to The Guardian why he decided to take on such a daunting challenge. “My daughter Kate was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes on January 27 2014, just three weeks after her 13th birthday.
“If left untreated, Type 1 Diabetes is a life-threatening condition. It’s essential that treatment is started early. Type 1 Diabetes can’t be cured, but treatment aims to keep your blood glucose levels as normal as possible and control your symptoms, to prevent health problems developing later in life.”
Ger said all funds raised will go directly to Diabetes Ireland, and all donations, no matter how big or small, will make a difference, and be greatly appreciated.
A retired bank manager, Ger is son of Mae and the late Denis O’ Sullivan of Finnoe Road, Borrisokane and his mother still lives in the town.
The foundations to the great fitness he will need to undertake the cycle were laid down in his younger years back in Borrisokane when he played underage hurling and football with the local club, winning a number of North Tipp juvenile titles. He was also a member of the Erin’s Hope (Borrisokane/Knockshegowna) Football teams that won County U21 A Football Titles in 1980 and 1981.
The 1,000km cycle is taking place over six days.
Day 1 on July 25 covers from Ballinasloe, Loughrea, Gort, Ennis, Killimer Ferry, Tarbert Ferry, Listowel, Tralee - 175km
Day 2 - Tralee, Killarney, Ballyvourney, Bantry, Mizen Head - 165km
Day 3 is a reverse of Day 2 and Day 4 is reverse of Day 1
Day 5 - Ballinasloe, Roscommon, Boyle, Sligo, Bundoran - 160km
Day 6 - Bundoran, Donegal, Ballybofey, Letterkenny, Buncrana, Carndonagh, Malin Head – 160km.
All funds are being raised online, and going directly to Diabetes Ireland.
To contribute, Google ‘Just Giving - Gerry O’Sullivan’ and visit the link.