Connect with us

News

Kevin Leahy’s ‘miraculous achievement” across the Arctic

Published

on

0274032_PIC.jpg

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

Advertisement

News

Newstalk Summer Tour arrives in Killarney

Newstalk’s 2025 Summer Tour, in association with ESB, is making its way to Killarney this week, bringing live broadcasts from the town. On morning, Friday, June 20, Newstalk Breakfast with […]

Published

on

Newstalk’s 2025 Summer Tour, in association with ESB, is making its way to Killarney this week, bringing live broadcasts from the town.

On morning, Friday, June 20, Newstalk Breakfast with Ciara Kelly and Shane Coleman will be live from the Café du Parc in the Killarney Plaza Hotel and Spa, kicking off at 7 am.
Ciara and Shane are scheduled to speak with local Kerry figures and take a trip on Killarney’s jaunting cars to see the sights.
Kelly said: “I am so excited to head to Killarney. I have had some fantastic memories as a child visiting Kerry and can’t wait to go back for Newstalk’s Summer tour!”
Coleman added: “Kerry is a wonderful place to visit and I am looking forward to seeing its natural beauty, vibrant culture and rich history.”
The week-long tour is taking the full Newstalk experience to towns across Ireland, featuring live shows, special guests, and conversation.

Continue Reading

News

Ring of Kerry Cycle to honour founder Paddy O’Donoghue

Published

on

By

This year’s Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle, scheduled for July 5, will be run in memory of Paddy O’Donoghue, a founding member of the event.

Mr O’Donoghue, aged 81, from Muckross, passed away following a road collision in Kilgarvan on Tuesday, this week.

Paddy was a retired Kerry County Council engineer, affectionately known as ‘Paddy the Engineer’.

He was a driving force behind the annual charity cycle since its inception in 1982, regularly participating and fundraising for various causes. Beyond his cycling contributions, the Glenflesk native was also a notable footballer, having been part of the East Kerry team that secured the first All-Ireland Senior Football Championship in 1971.

Cathal Walshe, PRO of the Ring of Kerry Cycle said: “On behalf of the Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle I wish to extend sincere sympathy to Brenda and the O’Donoghue family on the sad and sudden loss of Paddy.

“He was a fantastic supporter of the annual charity cycle since it’s inception back in the 80s. A regular participant and wonderful fundraiser for whatever charity he chose. Paddy loved a challenge in whatever he undertook and was the epitome of what the event was all about. We miss the banter and craic but he won’t ever be forgotten. This year’s event will be dedicated to his memory on July the 5th. His likes will never be seen again. Slan Abhaile our friend.”

Tributes have been paid to Mr O’Donoghue, including from his local Glenflesk GAA club, who stated, “Glenflesk GAA would like to offer our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Paddy O’Donoghue on his sad passing. He was a true Glenflesk stalwart as a player, mentor and lifelong supporter.”

Paddy is survived by his wife Brenda, children Florence, Áine, Denise, Brenda, Báirbre, Patrick, and Alice, 17 grandchildren, his brother John, sisters Margaret, Kathleen, and Anna, and a wide circle of relatives and friends.

Attachments

Continue Reading

Last News

Sport