Former Mayo footballer Dermot Flanagan, along with a number of former Mayo teammates from the side that reached All Ireland Senior Football finals in 1996 and 1997, will be cycling to every GAA club in Mayo to raise funds for Mayo University Hospital's Oncology Unit.
Speaking about why he is undertaking this challenge, Dermot said: "In December 2017 I was diagnosed with a blood cancer, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. I underwent treatment in 2018.
"I remain in full remission and continue under observation by my oncologist, Professor John McCaffrey. In conjunction with my teammates from the 1995-1997 era, we are cycling around Mayo, visiting each of the GAA clubs in the county, between August 14 and 21 next, to raise funds for the Mayo Hospital Oncology Unit."
The cycle will get under way on Saturday, August 14, when they will visit Ballaghaderreen, Kilmovee, Tooreen, Aghamore, Ballyhaunis, Eastern Gaels, Kiltimagh, Swinford, Charlestown, and Carracatle, covering a total of 76km. On Sunday, August 15, the cycle will visit Hollymount, Garrymore, Claremorris, Mayo Gaels, Balla, Breaffy, and Parke-Keelogues-Crimlin for a total of 50km.
On Monday, August 16, the cycle will visit Bohola Moy Davitts, Knockmore, Lahardane, and Crossmolina, a 43km route. Then on Tuesday, August 17, the cycle will stop off at Bonniconlon, Ardnaree, Ballina Stephenites, Ardagh, Moygownagh, Kilfian, and Killala, a 39km route. On Wednedsday, August 18, the stops will be Lacken, Ballycastle, Cill Chomain, and Belmullet, a 67km route.
On Thursday, August 19, the cycle will take in Kiltane, Ballycroy, and Achill. On Friday, August 20, the route will be The Neale, Shrule-Glencorrib, Kilmaine, Ballinrobe, Tourmakeady, Ballintubber, Castlebar Mitchels, and Islandeady. The cycle will wrap up on Saturday, August 21, with visits to Burrishoole, Kilmeena, Westport, and Louisburgh.
You can donate to the cause on GoFundMe at https://tinyurl.com/9msuckcf and you can follow the challenge on social media at Cycle for Mayo Hospital Oncology Unit on Facebook and @CycleMayo on Twitter.
The cycle is being supported by Mayo GAA and Connolly Motor Group.
