Former Mayo footballer heading fundraising cycle for Mayo University Hospital
Former Mayo senior captain and two-time All-Star Dermot Flanagan is spearheading a remarkable fundraising initiative for the oncology unit in Mayo University Hospital.
In 2017 Dermot was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma, an aggressive form of blood cancer. He underwent treatment through 2018 and is now in full remission.
The cycle will run for eight straight days, beginning on Saturday, August 14, and finishing on the following Saturday, August 21, and will visit every GAA club ground in the county, beginning in Dermot's home ground of Ballaghaderreen GAA Club.
The cycle, which will cover over 430km in total, is being held in full support of the Mayo GAA County Board and organisers are hopeful that GAA clubs, cycling clubs and the people of Mayo will get involved by coming out to support the cyclists as they pass through respective clubs and also by contributing to the fundraising efforts efforts via GoFundMe.
The planned dates and routes are as follows:
Saturday, August 14: AM - Ballaghaderreen, Kilmovee, Tooreen, Aghamore, Ballyhaunis and Eastern Gaels (45km); PM - Kiltimagh, Swinford, Charlestown and Carracastle (31km)
Sunday, August 15: AM - Hollymount, Garrymore, Davitts, Claremorris, Mayo Gaels and Balla (35km); PM - Breaffy, Ballyvary and Parke/Keelouges/Crimlin (15km)
Monday, August 16: Moy Davitts, Knockmore, Lahardane and Crossmolina (43km)
Tuesday, August 17: Bonniconlon, Ardnaree, Ballina Stephenites, Ardagh, Moygownagh, Kilfian and Killala (39km)
Wednesday, August 18: Lacken, Ballycastle, Cill Chomáin and Belmullet (67km)
Thursday, August 19: Kiltane, Ballycroy and Achill (45km)
Friday, August 20: AM - The Neale, Shrule/Glencorrib, Kilmaine and Ballinrobe (28km); PM - Tourmakeady, Ballintubber, Castlebar Mitchels and Islandeady (36km)
Saturday, August 21: Burrishoole, Kilmeena, Westport and Louisburgh (50km)