Meath County Fire & Rescue Service is the first group of emergency service personnel in Ireland to participate in the ‘Race Around Ireland’ event, which, in its seventh year running, is regarded as one of the toughest cycling challenges in the world. It takes racers on a 2,150km journey past some of the most stunning scenery in Ireland.
The team comprises of eight personnel and a back room support team of Fire-fighters, Paramedics and Friends that will have various roles such as crew support, drivers, medics and not forgetting a chef!.
L-R ,Richie Faulkner Navan ,Steve McManus Kells, Thomas Nelson, Kells, Gary Ayton Trim, SACFO Barry Quinn, Kells Staton Officer Kevin Flanagan, Matt Smith, Navan and Brian Roger, Navan Photo Courtesy: Meath County Fire & Rescue Service.
The route will take you past Newgrange, The Causeway Coast, Malin Head, The Cliffs of Moher, The Ring of Kerry, Mizen Head, the Garden County of Wicklow and back to Navan in County Meath. it is hoped the challenge will be completed within within 96 hours.
Speaking to Emergency Times on behalf of the team, Navan Fire-fighter Richie Faulkner said “We have made this a charity event with the proceeds going to Louth/Meath branches of Down Syndrome and SOSAD (save our sons and daughters). The race in its seventh year will be the first time a team of emergency service personnel have entered the race and the first time the team have taken on a challenge like this”.
The team are always looking for support and donations can be made via sponsorship cards or direct to the Meath Fire Blazers bank account. To find out more about the event, please contact Richie Faulkner on 086-8143529 or Matt Smith 083-1066457
You can follow the team on Twitter and Facebook @ Meath Fire Blazers.
