Write a comment
This weekend a group of enthusiastic and energetic cyclists will leave Poyntzpass in a marathon 6 day fundraising cycle around Ireland, in memory of 'Pass man Brian Magennis who died in January this year.
In total 12 cyclists will take part in 'Bike for Brian' cycling the 32 counties of Ireland in 6 days, covering a total of 750 miles. Included in the team are Brian's son Daniel, brother Ciaran, brother in law Marty Johnston and friends. Brian's wife Margaret and the rest of his family will also be cheering them on every step of the way, while son Ben will be working the logistics van.
The ride aims to raise much-needed money for Evora Hospice in Newry, where he was cared for in his final weeks. Already the fundraiser has reached over £21,000.
Brian’s two sons.
Diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2020, Brian faced his illness with the strength, grace, and grit that defined every part of his life. He initially overcame the disease, but when it returned, he met it once more with quiet determination. The care and compassion he received in Evora Hospice (formerly Southern Area Hospice) brought comfort not only to Brian, but to everyone who loved him.
The group have been training since March/ April time starting off doing 30 or 40 miles a weekend, building up to a spin of around 130 miles two weekends ago, which took them around Lough Neagh from Newry up through Antrim and back down into Newry.
They're meeting this Saturday at O'Hanlon GAC in Poyntzpass to pack their van up and do all the last minute preps. Brian was Captain of the O'Hanlon's team when they won the Armagh Junior County Championship in 1997 and the club was a very important part of his life.
On Sunday morning 17 August they leave the Club in Poyntzpass at 7.30am. On the first day alone they are cycling 7 counties, taking in Armagh, Down, Antrim, Derry, Tyrone, Fermanagh and Donegal!
It had to be a massive challenge to be worthy of the man, brother in law Marty explained "He was a giant character and a giant man and we have to do something like this to honour his memory."
Some days will be easier than others and Day 5 is the one that everyone is fearing. It's 122 miles from New Ross in Co Wexford to Blessington in Co Wicklow, but they've decided to make it a real tough challenge by travelling through the Wicklow Mountains, an elevation of about 9000ft!
The Route
- Day 1 17 August: Poyntzpass to Bundoran 133 miles
- Day 2 18 August: Bundoran to Bannagher, Offaly 134 miles
- Day 3 19 August: Bannagher to Rathkeale, Limerick 120 miles
- Day 4 20 August: Rathkeale to New Ross, Wexford 124 miles
- Day 5 21 August: New Ross to Blessington, Wicklow 122 miles
- Day 6 22 August: Blessington to Poyntzpass 113 miles
On certain days, including the first day, there's going to be other friends of Brian cycling along with the group and cheering them on along the way for parts of it.
Johnston, one of Brians closest friends and race organiser; Brian's sons Daniel and
Ben and Brian's wife Margaret Magennis.
The team encompasses cyclists like Marty and Alan McNulty, Damien Campbell and Ciaran Magennis that could probably take on an Iron Man challenge before breakfast, to Brian's son Daniel who knew at the very beginning that he wanted to do the challenge, and his passion and strength will get him through.
“Dad was the definition of a fighter,” said Daniel (20) “He faced everything with bravery and dignity. When the illness came back, he fought to stay with us for as long as he could. When he passed, we knew we wanted to do something in his name, something that would carry his spirit forward."
While Daniel takes to the road, his younger brother Ben (18) is playing a crucial role behind the scenes, travelling in the logistics van and supporting the team every step of the way. Alongside his cousin Isabel, Ben is also leading the fundraiser’s social media efforts, keeping supporters updated and engaged.
Ben asks the team for photographs every weekend and as Marty notes "if you look through them, a lot of them just seem to be us all sitting in cafes eating. Somebody said to me you seem to be the only cycle team that's putting weight on during your training."
“We miss him every day,” Ben said. “But we carry him with us. This is our way of saying thank you – to the hospice that looked after him with such care, and to Dad, for the life and love he gave us.”
Brian’s family were by his side when he passed, just weeks after sharing one final Christmas and New Year together.
“We all held his hand that morning,” Ben recalls. “It was one of the hardest moments of our lives – but also a privilege. He gave us everything. The least we can do now is give something back in his name.”
Daniel added: “I still expect to see him sometimes – his head just visible through the window from his favourite chair as I drive up to the house. The loss is deep. But through this challenge, we are channelling our grief into something positive. We hope to raise vital funds for the hospice and honour one of the best men we’ve ever known.”
“Brian was more than a brother-in-law – he was a great friend,” added Marty who is one of the main organisers of Bike for Brian. “He had a quiet wisdom and a great sense of humour that we all leaned on. This cycle isn’t just about covering miles – it’s about honouring a man who meant the world to us and giving something back to the hospice that gave us so much when we needed it most.”
The group plan to take two breaks per day and a significant lunch break. Friends of Brian will want to meet the group along the way and stops like this will all be part of the event. While Bike for Brian has a serious element, the cyclists are all looking forward to enjoying the fun and laughs along the way.
The organisers would like to thank all that have sponsored and contributed to the event.
You can support their journey and help raise funds for Evora Hospice by donating here: www.justgiving.com
Follow the group on their Facebook page at www.facebook.com
