RACE ACROSS AMERICA 2011

Donncha was inspired by an advertisement he saw in a magazine describing the Race Across America. Donncha finished a race around Czech Republic in 2001 which was 688 miles. In the last ten years he has taken part in many adventure races in Ireland and Scotland involving mountain biking, mountain running and trekking, kayaking, abseiling and other outdoor adventure sports. He won a six day adventure race on the Hebridean Islands off the coast of Scotland as part of a two man team and numerous one day adventure races in Ireland as part of two and four person teams including the Turas Beag in Co. Kerry and The Total Eperience in Co. Wickow. Donncha won the Gaelforce 24 cycle in Co. Mayo in 2010 cycling 500km. In Sept 2010 he was one of only 10 people in the two years the event has been running to finish the 1350 mile Race Around Ireland which he finished in 6 days as a solo competitor. It must be noted this was done having been involved in a collision with a car in the first 15 minutes, a broken rib and developing severe gastroenteritis later in the race. His ability to overcome these setbacks showed his determination, courage, athleticism and his passionate belief in his ability to succeed. His positive belief in achieving what you aim for is his trade mark. In early 2011 Donncha was offered a personal invitation by the Race Across America Director to take part in the 30th anniversary of the Race Across America from Oceanside California to Annanapolis, Maryland in June 2011. He will historically be the first ever Irish solo competitor to take part in the 3,000 race from the West to East coast of America.

Taking part will be the coming together of a dream laid out at the age of 15 for this notable long distance cyclist.

Best of luck from all at Youghal CC.