Three men paddleboard from Sliabh Liag to Bundoran to support youth counselling

Three men have completed a 40km paddleboard journey from Sliabh Liag to Bundoran in support of youth counselling services.

Ryan Allen, Iarom Madden and James Garvey undertook the challenge on Friday, August 22, and despite wind and tide being against them, they were delighted with their time.

“Iarom said: “We thought it would take eight hours or with the conditions not in our favour, maybe nine, but we got it done in six-and-a half hours so we are very happy.

“It’s about 32 km but because we were zig-zagging a bit, we would have added a bit more on to that.”

For all three, it was the longest paddleboard stretch that they had ever done.

James said: “Last year was from St John’s Point so add an extra 20km to that. There was a lot of swell, more than anticipated. But it was great craic and there was a lot of wildlife - dolphins, porpoises, we saw a big blow from a whale but we don’t know what it was. We seen a few actually.

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Ryan adds: “It actually went so fast, we were just chatting and didn’t look back, and next thing we were miles across. It was just a great day on the water.”

The most difficult part of the journey was just off St John’s Point, with a concentration of sea life, currents and swell. But the experienced paddlers overcame the challenges and kept their sights on their destination.

The trio were greeted with welcome pints of Guinness on arrival at Bundoran’s Boat Quay. There was a small gathering of family as well as representatives from Bundoran Community Centre to congratulate them and acknowledge their undertaking.

Iarlom said: “It definitely felt like an achievement. And it was fun. We enjoy each other’s company, and it is definitely for a good cause. It just felt good to have it under our belts. It is something to do that is very different to your normal working day.”

Barry Sweeny who was recently appointed manager of Bundoran Community Centre commended their efforts, saying: “The preparation, the checking weather and all that, there was an awful  lot of work involved. The main work was done today out there of course, and it looks like it was fun but it is an unbelievable challenge and it shouldn’t be underestimated. 

“You are putting yourself out there for a really good cause and it is all through the community centre. I’m only two weeks in the job and I see the amazing work the community centre is doing and the great people who are working there, and the impact that has on so many people.”

Funds raised from the challenge are going towards adding adolescent counselling to the suite of fantastic services already at Bundoran Community Centre, as well as towards the retrofitting of the building.

Barry said: “If you can make a difference to one person it is all worth it, and this will make a difference to an awful lot of people, not just in Bundoran but in the surrounding towns and areas.

“But today is a celebration and what you have just done is amazing. On behalf of the community centre, thank you so much.”

The three paddlers were supported by a safety team of Oisin and Carlston, who commended the paddlers for the scale of the challenge.

Carlston said: “To do it in six-and-a-half hours is an amazing achievement. That is over 17 knots with the tide against you, and the wind wasn’t perfect either. I think that is phenomenal going. 

“The bravery it takes to take off from Sliabh Liag and come all the way across that bay with whales and currents, underwater reefs, it takes courage.”

Anyone who would like to make a donation can do so via The GoFundMe page Paddle the Bay 2025: Slieve League to Bundoran

Iarom said: “We are leaving fundraising open for a while, and will follow it all up with a pub quiz at Madden’s in about two weeks. Lots of businesses in town are on board with sponsorship, so we have lots of really good prizes. It was a really fun night last year and we think it will be a really good night again.”

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The paddlers wish to thank main sponsors Alan Clancy at the Olympic Amusements, Oisin of Madden’s Bridge Bar, Irish Gap Year, Paddy Cosgrave from the Web Summit, Donegal English Language School, Murph’s Surf School for use of the paddleboards, and all the local businesses and individuals who generously contributed or who donated prizes for the quiz.