Cobh Farmer Completes Epic Tractor Run, Raises Over €9,000 for Crohn’s & Colitis Ireland
Mizen Head, County cork – Brendan O’Sullivan, a farmer from Cobh, has successfully completed a grueling five-day tractor run from Donegal to Mizen Head, raising a remarkable €9,155 for Crohn’s and Colitis Ireland (CCI). The journey, undertaken with a group of friends dubbed the ‘Bally Boys‘, concluded Saturday with a heroes’ welcome at Ireland’s southwesternmost point.
The tractor run wasn’t just a fundraising effort; it was a deeply personal challenge for O’Sullivan, who has been battling Crohn’s disease for years. The event served as a powerful presentation of advocacy and community support, according to Victoria Spillane of CCI. “Brendan’s determination to raise awareness and funds, even while managing his own health challenges, is a testament to the resilience and strength of the IBD community,” she stated.”The ‘Bally Boys’ support for him and their shared commitment to this cause is both heart-warming and inspiring.”
The Journey Unfolds
The ambitious trek began with a more relaxed pace on day 1,covering 130km through the scenic landscapes of Donegal. Day 2 proved the most demanding, a 196km stretch from Barnesmore Gap to ballinasloe in Galway, requiring a ten-and-a-half-hour journey entirely on tractors. The group continued south, traversing through Ballinasloe to Charleville on day 3.
Day 4 saw the ‘Bally Boys’ return to their home county, taking a picturesque route past Charleville to Killarney, navigating through Moll’s Gap and Kenmare, and ascending the Caha Pass towards Bantry, where they spent the night. The final leg on Saturday led them from Bantry to Mizen Head, a distance that initially filled the team with apprehension.
despite their concerns, the journey concluded without incident, greeted by sunshine and a jubilant crowd including O’Sullivan’s wife Aoife and children Holly (6) and Alex (2), as well as a large contingent of supporters from Cobh. Remarkably, the entire five-day run was completed under clear skies – not a single drop of rain fell on the group.
Beyond the Tractors: Support and Spirit
The success of the run was also due to the dedicated support team. Noel Duggan, a friend with no prior tractor experience, managed the logistics, booking accommodations each night. Tony Gilmartin, a member of the support crew, earned the playful nickname “99 connoisseur” for his keen enjoyment of ice cream along the route.
The funds raised will be invaluable to CCI in their work supporting individuals living with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.Crucial Details Not Explicitly Mentioned in the Original Article:
The specific make/model of tractors used was not stated. (This could be a follow-up question for a more in-depth piece.)
The exact number of ‘Bally Boys’ participating was not specified. (The article refers to a “group” but doesn’t quantify it.)
Details about the route planning process were absent. (How did they choose the route? What challenges did they anticipate?)
The article doesn’t detail any mechanical issues encountered during the run. (A common occurrence with long-distance tractor journeys.)
Resources:
Crohn’s and Colitis Ireland: 01 531 2983 or info@crohnscolitis.ie
CCI Website: http://www.crohnscolitis.ie
Looking Ahead:
Inspired by the success of this endeavor, Brendan O’Sullivan is already contemplating an even more ambitious challenge: a tractor run from John O’Groats in Scotland to Land’s end in england.
