A Laois man has taken on the daring challenge of cycling 2,500km in aid of a worthy cause.

Portlaoise man Adam Duffin returned home from Australia in December, and decided he wanted to do something to give back to the community.

Mr Duffin has decided to cycle the Wild Atlantic Way in aid of Portlaoise Action to Homelessness (PATH).

"Since I finished my Leaving Cert I have always enjoyed travelling, I dropped out of university during the pandemic and I have been working and travelling ever since," Mr Duffin told the Leinster Express / Laois Live.

Pictured: Portlaoise man Adam Duffin

"Any travelling I've done has been for my own gratification, like backpacking through central America or going to Australia for two years. I wanted to do something of benefit, before I settle back into working. Portlaoise Action to Homelessness do great work, and it's especially needed this time of year," he said.

While many would wince at the thought of cycling through the wet and windy weather we have been experiencing, Adam says he doesn't mind.

"Some days it's hard going, when I was cycling the Caha pass in Cork the wind was howling and the rain was falling in sheets. I just kept thinking of the people that are out homeless in this weather, who have it much worse," Adam said.

Adam set off on his cycle on January 8, and within the first few days he damaged his bike.

"I was coming up from Mizen head when the bike gave up, I have an app called Warm Showers that's designed for cyclists looking for a stop over," he explained.

"The host was a lovely German man named Peter, he was very kind and he gave me the bike he had in the shed to allow me to continue."

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At the time of this interview, Mr Duffin had just arrived in Cliffden Co. Galway, and had just reached the halfway point of his trip: 1,000km down, many more to go.

"I've managed 550km this week and close to 500 last week, the goal is to get to Malin head," he explained.

Adam has cycled from Cork City Centre to Garrettstown, on to Bantry and down to the Dingle peninsula. He then travelled past the Burren along the clare coast, and up into Galway through Connemara and Spideal. Once he reached Roundstone, he travelled on to Cliffden.

The Portlaoise man has said he is amazed at the kindness of strangers, and the generosity of Laois locals towards this fundraiser.

"It can be a long day in the saddle, and people have been so kind. I was passing through Doolin and when I reached the hostel, it was closed. I knocked on the nearest door and asked if I could camp in one of their fields for the night. Within five minutes, the lady came out and opened up the hostel for me. People are so obliging, particularly at that hostel," Mr Duffin praised.

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"I know that in Ireland there's always a connection with someone, whether it's through one or two people in between. But I can't get over the kindness towards a stranger," he said.

Adam has been making videos along his journey, and posting them to his Instagram page Faoin Aer.

The son of Mag and Jim Duffin, Adam attended Ghaelscoil Phortlaoise, which his grandmother assisted in establishing.

"I have always had that passion for Irish, my Granny had a naíonra. The videos I post of the cycle contain cúpla focail as Gaeilge, I love seeing the revival of the language," he said.

"People have been asking me along the way what charity the cycle is for, and my parents have been brilliant in supporting me. I would love to see this raise money for something that does so much good in the community," Mr Duffin finished.

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PATH have praised Mr Duffin for his fantastic fundraiser, applauding him for his commitment.

"The icy conditions did not put Adam off," the charity said.

"He understands that our homeless friends do not have a choice but to be out in all types of weather. Please support Adam if you can. Every little donation helps," they finished.

To support Adam on his 1500km cycle in aid of Portlaoise Action to Homelessness, click here.