CHARITY CYCLE: DUBLIN TO GALWAY - ON OUR LAST LEGS

Well - We did it!

Today we cycled the final 26km from Athenry to Galway city, bringing us to a total of 247km from our home in Dublin to the city of the tribes, Galway, all the way over the other side of the country, in 7 days. 

Thankfully there was no blood but there was a lot of sweat and a respectable amount of tears, all from me. The last leg was uneventful, B roads that merged into city roads as we drew closer to our final destination. 

I've always loved Galway, it's clearly a world famous city with a million things going for it including music, food, festivals, pubs, culture, scenery - it's located right on the Atlantic Ocean for godssake! But it also still feels like a small country town, it's walkable, friendly, vibrant, the sea is right there (again with the Atlantic). It was the perfect place to hang up our helmets. 

Our only error was to cycle to Eyres Square in the centre of the city and then realize our hotel was 3km back the way we came, up a hill. Obviously 3km is a spit in the (Atlantic) ocean in the scheme of things, but as I posed for photos, wrapping my arm around the statue of some old Irish dude in the park, I was psychologically done. When Dom said we had another 10 minutes to go I had to fight the urge to stamp my foot and whine "But, I don't wanna".

Roisin, who is mentally far more mature than me, hopped back on her bike and we headed off, with me trailing behind. Roisin yelled out "You got this, Mum!" and it was the hit I needed to get back on track. 

When we arrived at the hotel Dom rang his parents to let them know we had made it safe and sound. As I looked at my silent phone, it was a little sad to think I didn't have any parents to call. As usual, Roisin filled the gap with her wise words - "Don't know about you guys, but I'm very proud of myself! Lochlann would have been proud too." We locked into a three person embrace. 

It was a remarkable achievement for an 11 year old, she has confirmed her legend status for life.

Cycling across the country is great and all, but the reason we did it was to raise funds for Our Lady's Hospice Harold's Cross. When we decided to do the cycle we knew it would be a test of our fortitude, it would be frightening at times, and we would be at the mercy of the elements, but we were fairly certain it would be a joyous experience, we would overcome obstacles and we would live to tell the tale. Not everybody gets to choose the path they go down.

When my brother Lochlann was diagnosed with incurable lung cancer, it was a devastating and terrifying time. Myself and my brother Colm took our big brother, who had protected us our whole lives, and brought him to the Hospice with only days left to live.

Prior to the Hospice, he was in a state of distress, both mentally and physically ruined. We thought he would never be able to fully engage with us again, we were told as much by the physicians. But, upon arrival at Our Lady's he was treated with respect and great kindness. 

Family and friends came in their droves to sit by his bed and talk to him, to reminisce - to say goodbye. Feeling so secure and loved, Lochlann relaxed into his demise and came into his own again. He chatted and laughed, his memory sharp and witty. He stopped eating as his cancer grew but he held his head high and retained his dignity until the end. 

Lochlann showed us what real strength is. 

I believe his time in the Hospice was one of the most fulfilling experiences of his life. Not everybody gets to say goodbye, but as a community we can continue to raise money and support institutions that enable people to die with strength and serenity.

One last time, for any stragglers, here is the link to our fundraiser (PS, wow factor, you can share it on!) - https://www.justgiving.com/page/thefoleys

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