John Rooney completes enduring 30-hour 600km solo cycle for local charities

John Rooney spent 30 consecutive hours in the saddle over the weekend to raise money for charity.

John headed off from Corker Lane in Ballyshannon at 6am Friday and returned 600km later as he finished up at the Market Yard at 12:40pm on Saturday, all in aid of Donegal Down Syndrome and North West STOP-Suicide Prevention.

In-between times, John made his way to his home village of Eyrecourt in west Galway via Mayo and Connemara before turning for Roscommon then Sligo and onto Ballyshannon, where he and his family live. His only stops were to refuel and for a puncture. 

“Well we got our 600km Non-Stop Six County Challenge finished, “ John said. “It would not have been possible to have completed this event without the support and help of a few people. Firstly my wife Eleanor, daughter Méabh and sons Oisín and Senan - their support and understanding leading up to and during the event is really appreciated.

“Many thanks also to Tony and Rosaleen Cummins and John Prunty who were also on the road with us. Nothing was too much for the crew and they couldn't have done more for me on the road. It was very special cycling to my home village of Eyrecourt and calling into my Dad during the night thanks also to my brother David who had a great spread of grub waiting for us when we landed. There is no way I could have done this challenge without the support of all of them.

“Thanks to everyone who donated to the charities and sent messages of support and well wishes it is much appreciated. Many thanks also to those who welcome us home to the Market Yard.”

“The challenge was a fundraiser for two local charities Donegal Down Syndrome and North West STOP-Suicide Prevention, two l charities who do brilliant work for families and individuals in our Community.

“The link will be open for another two weeks any donation whatsoever is much appreciated on iDonate 600KM Non Stop Solo Cycle, Donegal Down Syndrome /North West STOP. Conditions were tough on the road but we had some great craic on the trip.”