Galway East TD Ciaran Cannon is embarking on a major cycling challenge this weekend after being seriously injured in a collision with a SUV two years ago.
The Fine Gael deputy plans to cycle through every county on the island of Ireland and aims to complete the 900km journey in under 48 hours.
Mr Cannon said this is a personal mission and he hopes to show solidarity with the hundreds of cyclists and pedestrians who are injured on Irish roads every year.
"This weekend is the second anniversary of a very traumatic time for me. I was seriously injured in a road traffic collision in 2021 and underwent surgery to my leg.
"I'm marking this anniversary by setting myself this challenge, perhaps in an act of defiance to show that I'm still capable of cycling, but also in solidarity with the hundreds of cyclists and pedestrians who are seriously injured on our roads every year. This is a way to highlight what we have been through in the hope that we can work towards safer roads for all in the future."
Mr Cannon will begin his journey in Clare at 5pm this evening and arrive back in Galway by 5pm on Sunday. The 900km ride will be the longest distance he has ever covered on a bike.
He is also cycling for Hand In Hand, a charity that supports families challenged by childhood cancer.
"The charity is very close to my heart. While parents are concentrating on working with doctors and nurses to get their child back to full health, Hand In Hand look after all of the normal household stuff that also needs attention, things like dropping siblings to school, doing the weekly shopping, the laundry and sometimes having a home cooked meal on the table when a child returns from hospital."
Hand in Hand also provides an accredited play therapist for children with cancer and their siblings. Mr Cannon said this is a huge help to children trying to cope during a worrying and frightening time.
"They are the unsung heroes of so many families who have availed of their services and every cent I fundraise will go towards their powerful work."
