Updated: 9am
The Byrne family and friends have been praised for raising over €14,000 for Malin RNLI in memory of a much-loved local man, John Byrne.
There were mixed emotions on Friday evening as John’s family crossed the finish line of a 650km week-long cycle from Mizen to Malin Head. Tired legs were mixed with jubilant celebrations and thoughts of a man who is greatly missed.
Today, Tuesday, is the first anniversary of the passing of John Byrne. He was a respected Gael and a pillar of the community who played an active role in many groups, clubs and in politics.
Pictured above are: L-R Anne Marie Ballantyne, Lochlainn Byrne, Jonathan Byrne, Gráinne Byrne, Stephen Byrne.
The charity cycle’s success is a testament to the great esteem he was held in the community, said his son Stephen.
The cycle was in aid of Malin RNLI as the lifesaving charity was one that John always supported and was heavily involved with.
John’s children Jonathan, Gráinne and Lochlainn completed all five days of the cycle from Mizen to Malin. Due to injury, Stephen did days one and five, while Anne Marie joined for the fifth day. They were joined by a large group of friends for the final leg from Carndonagh to Malin Town on Friday.
Byrne family Mizen Head to Malin Head for Malin RNLI
Stephen, speaking on behalf of the family, said: “We are so appreciative of the support we received from friends and family all through the week. The reception we received on the last leg from Carn to Malin through to Malin Head will live long in the memory. It was great to see the number of people who joined in our spin from Carn to Malin. The bonfire that greeted us just outside Malin was a lovely touch and the buzz as we crossed the bridge into the town and around the green was brilliant.
Byrne family Mizen Head to Malin Head for Malin RNLI
“The success of the week would not have been possible without the support from the below:
- Mels Signs Cavan for the sponsored posters on the support van
- Kilmore West Youth Project for the 9 seater van and our brilliant support van drivers Geraldine Smith (who drove with a broken thumb ) and Martin Byrne
- Mc Kenna’s Buncrana for sponsoring water and sports drinks
Garda Shaun McLaughlin for the traffic control from Quigleys Point to Malin and during the group cycle - The brilliant Malin RNLI Fundraising Branch for the escort from Glentogher and the bucket collections in Carn & Malin
- Tom Billy from Byrne Seafoods for the escort from Muff to Malin Head
- Saddle Rock Cycling Club for putting up the cycling signs on Carn to Malin road
- Mc Clean’s Bar, Malin for the post cycle venue & food, Typhoon Generals for the great music
You can still donate to the challenge here: https://www.idonate.ie/crowdfunder/MizenHeadtoMalinHead2023
All donations big or small are greatly appreciated.
Byrne family Mizen Head to Malin Head for Malin RNLI
