Day 7: Kenmare – Mizen Head!
‘Cheers Val’, ‘no thanks Val’! Ciaran remembering the two phrases he used the most this week!
I’m trying to think of ways to describe what it was like @ 2.56pm today as our lads & lassies crossed the finishing line @ Mizen head and ended what was a heroic effort all week. Leaving Malin Head last Saturday morning this point seemed so far away, we have passed through some of the most beautiful & toughest countryside in Ireland along the way.
Hoards of supporters with their ‘vuvuzela’s’ & champagne gathered to watch the team burst across the line with Tony Burke Moran crossing first. Many questioned whether Tony would have had the stamina to sustain the challenge for the yellow jersey but Tony you have earned the right to laugh in the faces of all those doubters!!!
Firstly a big thanks you to all @ The Kenmare Bay Hotel who were more than happy to put us up last night as their charity of the year is also Barnardos!
Leaving Co. Kerry this morning spirits were high and especially amongst the ‘Corkonians’ who had an extra pep in their peddle as the border was soon to be crossed. Healy pass was the first mountain to be descended and the team picked up some pace in their pursuit of Mizen. The day started off with spitting rain but as we came out of Glengariff jackets were thrown by the roadside, and I might add for me to pick up!! Again the lads just seemed to be getting quicker as we arrived in Bantry in no time at all. Robbie had managed to catch us up as he decided to have a lie in this morning and left a little after us! He said he was getting his bike fixed but we’re not sure! Half time breaks were also becoming shorter as the lads & lassies had just one thing in their sights. Heading further south Toormore was the next stop for lunch. Quick sandwich and a bit sun bathing & the atmosphere was rising as everyone knew this stop would be the final pit stop of the week.
As myself and my fellow crew members waited @ Mizen Head, alongside all the supporters we could see a crowd of cyclists gathering in the distance! After the final team talk it was all systems go as they headed for Mizen Head!
You could see the joy, well actually maybe more relief as they came through the yellow ribbon! Champagne corks popped bikes thrown over the edge it was over! Malin to Mizen had been conquered!!!
Lads & Lassies from my own point of view very well done, it was a great week something none of us will ever forget. I sure when you guys all take your relevant seats on Monday morning whether it is in offices or waiting rooms and you feel that little twinge you’ll look back with a proud grin on your faces!
There as so many people we need to thank from everyone we have met along the way to Ellen for her superbly taken photos all week & lest we forget Mairead. Mairead has put a lot of time and effort in behind the scenes in order to ensure the week ran as smoothly as possible! Great week Mairead & thank you!
A big thank you, to you Joe from all the team for all your blogging and keeping the rest of the world abreast of our movements………
The support along the way has been super and I’m sure Barnardos will find plenty of uses for all our efforts!
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