A memorial charity cycle which set out to visit the country’s four Irish Coast Guard helicopter bases left Shannon this morning on the final leg of the 800km trek.
“4 days in September – A Tribute” was organised to remember five Irish Coast Guard members killed in the line of duty in separate tragedies over the past 12 months.
Doolin-based Coast Guard volunteer Caitríona Lucas died last September while engaged in a search for a missing man in Kilkee.
In March, the Dublin-based search and rescue helicopter Rescue 116 was lost off Blacksod in Co Mayo. Dara Fitzpatrick, Mark Duffy, Paul Ormsby and Ciaran Smith died in the tragedy.
The organising group comprised members of An Garda Síochána, National Ambulance Service and local authority fire and rescue services as well as members of the Irish Coast Guard.
The cycle visited the helicopter bases at Waterford (R117), Dublin (R116), Sligo (R118) and Shannon, home to R115.
A core group of cyclists undertook the 800km cycle while others, including members of Doolin Coast Guard, joined the even along the route.
After arriving at Shannon Airport last night, the cyclists set off again this morning with their support crews which also included members of An Garda, Carlow Fire and Rescue Service and medical personnel.
After leaving Shannon Airport shortly before 10.00am on Monday, the cyclists finally arrived at the Irish Coast Guard/CHC Ireland hangar at Waterford Airport at around 6.30pm.
Five charities will benefit from the event which the public are asked to support. The charities are: Dunmore East First Responders; Dogs for the Disabled; Pieta House South East; Aoibheann’s Pink Tie and Cycle Against Suicide.
Donations can be made directly to our charities by logging onto www.idonate.ie/4daysinseptember