By Diarmaid Doherty
DONEGAL News photographer Brian McDaid is hoping to hit Killarney in Co. Kerry later today as he continues on his Drive of Ireland fundraiser for Donegal Hospice.
The Letterkenny man, who hit the road on his charity run on Tuesday morning, has been clocking up the miles since in his trusty Toyota Passo – nicknamed Betsy.
The day began with a jaunt down to Fanad, and then it was back up to Letterkenny for an interview with Donal Kavanagh on Highland Radio, before the official send-off from Donegal Hospice where he was waved on his way by Cllr Kevin Bradley, Mayor of the Letterkenny and Milford Municipal District and a number of well-wishers.
There was a Garda escort too down Main Street leading Brian on his way out towards Glenswilly where his younger brother Peadar joined him for part of the journey.
The brothers stopped for a while in Glendowan for a quick cuppa before Brian journeyed on towards Donegal Town.
The rally enthusiast wanted to do something that bit special to mark his 60th birthday on January 11 and driving around Ireland while raising some money for a charity that’s close to his heart was an idea that quickly took off a few months back.
Tuesday, January 2, also marked his mother Mary Ellen’s anniversary. Brian was only five when his mammy passed away in Letterkenny hospital in January 1970.
“She was in my thoughts on Tuesday,” Brian said.
“And my father too. It’s nice to remember them in a special way and this journey is a way of celebrating their memories.”
His parents lived for a short time in Manorhamilton and in Grange in Co. Sligo and Brian’s road trip on Tuesday brought him to both locations.
He spent the night in Manorhamilton and paid a visit to the local chapel where he lit a candle.
In between he swung by Kesh in Co. Fermanagh to meet up with long-time rally friend Garry Jennings.
“It was brilliant to meet Garry,” Brian said.
“He was waiting patiently for me to arrive and gave a very generous donation to the fundraising appeal which was so very appreciated.”
Wednesday saw Brian journey in and around Sligo and down along the coast of Co. Mayo before arriving for his overnight stay at Belmullet.
“I’d hoped to have been a bit further down the coast at this stage,” Brian said.
“But to be honest, I don’t want to be pushing the car too much. It’s a long enough journey through Mayo – longer than I anticipated. So I’m content enough just to be where I’m at now.”
The trip to Kerry promises to be one of the high points on Brian’s trip. At one time, Killarney was an important stage on the Circuit of Ireland and Brian is looking forward to treating Betsy to a couple of easy runs around some of the old rally stages.
“I’ll just take it very easy,” he points out.
“I’m just looking forward to enjoying the views on the stages and the experience.”
After Killarney, he’ll head across towards Waterford and then up the East coast.
And in the meantime, the money continues to roll in for the fundraising appeal with donations being accepted on the Idonate page (www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/DriveofIreland).
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