Celebration in Offaly as adventurer returns from gruelling trip around Ireland for Ashling Murphy Fund

Paul Tierney (third from left) is greeted by Cathal, Amy, Ray and Kathleen Murhpy and the late Ashling's partner Ryan

placeholder image — Paul Tierney (third from left) is greeted by Cathal, Amy, Ray and Kathleen Murhpy and the late Ashling's partner Ryan

THERE was a fantastic welcome for adventurer Paul Tierney when he arrived in Blueball on Saturday evening having conquered 23 peaks around Ireland and cycled 1,200km for the Ashling Murphy Memorial Fund and the Children's Grief Centre.

A crowd gathered at the Blueball pub for 'A Celebration of Ashling Murphy’s Legacy' where Paul was greeted by the Murphy family and a celebration of Paul's achievement and fundraising then took place.

Paul, an extreme sports athlete, had set off on his bike from Doolan's, Blueball on the morning of August 9 and cycled 100km on his way to the Wicklow mountains for his first climb.

Sleeping in a tent overnight, he then crisscrossed the country taking on mountain peaks and country roads in a mammoth journey.

He designed the route himself and in all there were 1,200km of cycling, 172km running and 21,000 metres climbing.

The second last day coincided with Storm Betty and it brought him from Nephin mountain in Co Mayo on a cycle to Athlone.

He first set out from Westport and rode 28km to the mountain but the toughest part was the 145km to Athlone after the hill climb.

In his video diary from Athlone he said: “People were asking me if I'm okay after the weather we had today, yes, I am okay, physically at least, slightly scared, and possibly have PTSD. I think that was the hardest day I've ever put down.

“That was the worst cycle, I don't know what I was thinking putting that cycle after Nephin but the weather just... I'm shattered, I'm absolutely next to being broken, but in more positive news, when I got to the campsite there was nobody there, so I couldn't pitch tent, couldn't do anything, so I ended up booking a hotel room, so I'm now in the Sheraton in Athlone and I don't think I've ever been as excited about a hotel room stay in my entire life and I'm going to refresh here before I roll over the line into Blueball tomorrow.

“I really appreciate all the support I got, it was incredible throughout. I'm way behind on messages, I haven't looked at them all day because I have had my face stuck in handlebars all day pushing to try and get here. But I will try and review all the messages and come back to people.”

After his night's rest in the Athlone hotel room he cycled to Blueball where he was thanked by the late Ashling Murphy's parents Ray and Kathleen, along with other members of the Murphy family and their supporters.

He was also thanked by the other benefitting charity, represented by Carol Fitz-Gough of Children's Grief Centre (pictured below).

Donations can be made via the following iDonate link https://www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/AshlingMurphy23Peaks

The 23 Peak Challenge Homecoming was also an opportunity to acknowledge the tremendous support from all individuals, groups and organisations that have supported the Ashling Murphy Memorial Fund to date.

The fund said the passion, determination and generous support of everyone will help the Ashling Murphy Memorial Fund continue the strong legacy left by Ashling, by supporting young people in the traditional Irish arts, culture and heritage, which Ashling held dear to her heart.

Ashling Murphy, aged 23, a primary schoolteacher from Blueball, Tullamore, was killed at Cappincur on the bank of the Grand Canal in January 2022.