Four Laois lads got on their bikes on the opposite side of the world in aid of the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association.
Former Laois senior football captain Stephen Attride, along with Graiguecullen twins Conor and James O’Regan and St Joseph’s Michael Byrne, completed a remarkable feat at the weekend.
The quartet cycled 100km from Sydney to Wollongong on Saturday in aid of IMNDA. They have raised more €10,000 so far for their efforts.
The association is very close to Killeshin native Stephen’s heart as his dad Mark sadly passed away from the disease in 2015.
Mark was a lecturer in IT Carlow and was heavily involved in the local sports scene.
He was diagnosed with Motor Neuron Disease in February of 2014 and he orgainsed a major fundraiser that year where almost €50,000 was raised for the Irish Motor Neuron Disease Association.
Stephen’s family kept Mark’s fundraiser alive with the Mark Attride Memorial Cycle – a yearly event which has gone on to raise thousands more for the charity.
But with Covid-19, the cycle could not take place this year in Ireland.
Hence Stephen, who emigrated to Australia last year, came up with this fundraiser instead.
Speaking on completion, Stephen said: “We had a great journey cycling from Sydney to Wollongong to raise funds for the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association (IMNDA).
“We began our cycle at the Sydney Opera house at sunrise and cycled throughout the day to reach our destination.
“Lots of sore bodies today but some great memories.
“Thanks so much to everyone who has shared and donated to the fundraiser.
“It really is appreciated and the funds will be going to a very worthy cause.
“We will leave the GoFundMe page open for another while so please continue to share and donate.”
Fair play lads!
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