DONEGAL firefighters have raised thousands of Euro before they cycle 550kms to New York on the 25th anniversary of the 911 attacks.
An estimated 3,000 people were killed when terrorists deliberately crashed two hijacked jumbo jets into the city’s Twin Towers on September 11, 2001.
It was announced a fortnight ago that six firefighters will travel from Donegal to New York to stand with the Fire Department of New York (FDNY) and commemorate the atrocity that shocked the world 25 years ago.
And it has now been revealed that the Donegal heroes have already exceeded their fundraising targets.
They are now making their final preparations and have each raised huge sums as part of the charity cycle known as The Ride for Resilience 2026.
A spokesperson for Donegal Firefighters’ Association (DFA) said: “Our six Donegal riders are almost ready to swap the roads of Donegal for the road from Boston to New York as part of the Ride for Resilience.
“The training is nearly done. The preparations are coming together. There’s a very special connection behind this journey.
“Over the past two years, our FDNY friends have travelled to Ireland, cycled alongside us and helped raise funds for Aoibheann’s Pink Tie.
“This September, we get the opportunity to return that support on their side of the Atlantic.”
Aoibheann’s Pink Tie is Ireland’s national children’s cancer charity that helps children with cancer and their families.
The hero six are retired firefighters Micheal Donaghey and Eunan Doherty, plus Conor McGuigan of Letterkenny Fire Station, Rian Kane (Ballyshannon), and Seamus Mc Laughlin and Shaun Mc Laughlin, both Carndonagh.
Donegal firefighter Rian Kane is one of six who are cycling to New York to remember the 911 terror attacks.
Each man targeted at least US$1,000 (€856) but they have already raised a total of US$6,712 (€5,750).
Their fundraising links are on the DFA’s Facebook page.
The DFA spokesperson added: “Our riders will take on 343 miles [552 kms] over five days from Boston to New York.
“This year marks the 25th anniversary of 911. The cycle is 343 miles for the 343 FDNY firefighters who never came home.
“We ride to honour them, to remember those we have lost since, and to support first responders and their families dealing with cancer, trauma, occupational illness and the lasting effects of their service.”
The monies raised will go to causes like Friends of Firefighters and the Boston Firefighter Cancer Foundation.