News
Kevin Leahy’s ‘miraculous achievement” across the Arctic
Organisers of the Montane Arctic Spine Race – won by Arctic explorer Kevin Leahy – have said that all future editions of the race will be a search to find someone who can surpass the Killarney man’s achievements.
inThe Montane Arctic Spine Race is a non-stop, 472-km foot race along the Kungsleden Trail in Arctic Sweden, through one of the most stunning winter landscapes in the world.
Kilcummin athlete Kev Leahy was declared the winner of the first edition of the race earlier this week.
Competitors started at Abisko at 9am on February 6 as they began a journey through snowfields, Arctic tundra and frozen woodlands flanked by Sweden’s highest mountains.
The aim was the finish line at Hemavan within 192 hours in what was an expedition race that required self-sufficiency and proficiency in cold weather management, with temperatures as low as -35°C and winds as high as 40 mph.
Leahy, the winner of the 100-mile version of the Montane Yukon Ultra in 2020 and second in the full 500km Montane Lapland Arctic Ultra in 2022, was the last person standing as the race approached the revised finish line near Hemavan on Wednesday.
He was alone on the course since fellow competitor Ed Sellon finished the shorter Arctic Challenger course in Kvikkjokk two days previously.
Leahy’s achievement was both record-breaking and trail blazing.
“Since then every kilometre he covered has been a record, and every hour that he remained out there has been a miraculous achievement,” said an event statement.
“As the person who managed to comfortably cover the furthest distance, Kev is our winner this year. All future editions of the Arctic Spine Race will be a search for somebody able to build on and surpass his incredible performance.”
Kevin Leahy powered his way across the Arctic in support of Asiam.ie. Learn more and show your support via this link: www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/500kmskiforautism
Glenflesk GAA hosts cardiac screening clinic
Glenflesk GAA Healthy Club recently welcomed the Dillon Quirke Foundation to run a cardiac screening clinic for its young members.
A total of 45 club players aged 12 to 18 underwent vital heart checks designed to promote early detection and heart health awareness among young athletes.
Medical personnel from Advanced Medical Services conducted the screenings with professionalism and care, while the club’s Healthy Club Team oversaw the smooth operation of the event.
The Dillon Quirke Foundation operates without government funding, relying entirely on public support to raise awareness of Sudden Adult Death Syndrome (SADS) and provide non-cost cardiac clinics to sports clubs across Ireland.
Glenflesk GAA encourages anyone wishing to support the foundation’s ongoing screening work to consider making a donation online at dillonquirkefoundation.com.
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