Declan Loy and colleague.

'Irondad' completes Meath leg of gruelling challenge

Declan Loy, who is originally from Newry, is currently engaged in taking on a massive challenge which will see him attempt to swim, cycle and run every county in Ireland over 32 days completing a staggering 3,552km in total. Each day will comprise of a 1km swim, 100km cycle and then a 10km run - and yesterday he completed the Meath leg of his gruelling journey.  

Loy who developed the name ‘Irondad’ after breaking a Guinness World Record in 2018 is well into his Irondad Challenge and so far, has completed a 111km triathlon in Down, Antrim, Armagh, Derry, Tyrone, Monaghan, Fermanagh, Donegal, Leitrim, Longford, Cavan and Meath yesterday. 

When asked on how he feels the challenging is going Declan stated: ‘’The challenge is going brilliantly the legs and muscles are getting tired but the support I’ve received helps me to keep going’’

The challenge is to raise funds for a not for profit organisation called Super You, that focuses on supporting, empowering and inspiring young people. So far, the Super You workshops have reached nearly every county in Ireland North and South and the team have delivered talks to over 5,000 students promoting positive mental health and well-being.

 

Declan who doesn’t class himself as an athlete but just a normal Dad with an interest in exercising and a drive to raise funds for an organisation that can really support our young people. Declan stated ÌŽ’I have been blown away with triathlon clubs throughout Ireland that have come forward to lend a hand on the day the Challenge comes to their counties. It’s very humbling to see how people will help me for such a great cause. A huge thank you to Tri an Mhi who has helped me with organising the Irondad Challenge in Co. Meath’’

Declan has a busy month ahead of him with Sligo, Westport, Galway, Kerry and Cork all coming up in the next month just to name a few. The final day will be held in Dundalk Co. Louth.

Declan is encouraging supporters to come along to the Irondad Challenge when it’s in your county and take part. You can also register to complete the challenge on its finale day with Declan on the 28th of July in Dundalk Co. Louth. Choose from a 111km triathlon, 100km cycle or a 10K run. Join the challenge today or for the full Irondad Challenge schedule visit www.irondadchallenge.ie.