In honour of Paddy Linnane

In May 2000, whilst cycling with a group of family and friends in Malaysia, Eamonn Linnane discussed the possibility of doing a charity cycle in honour of his late father, Paddy Linnane. Eamonn wanted to give something back to Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind, a charity that he felt had helped his father so much during his lifetime as a Guide Dog Owner.

Twelve months of hard work and planning later and the idea had become a reality. In May 2001, a small group of cyclists set off on what was to be the first annual Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind cycle.

The cycle started as a small event with three organisers and twenty cyclists. For the next few years, participation and support for the event grew and every year without fail, a large donation was handed over to IGDB.

Now in its 13th year, the Mizen2Malin cycle has built up quite a following with over 80 cyclists participating in our 2012 event and raising just over €46,000.

The Mizen2Malin cycle has raised over €595,000 for Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind since inception. It's success is a fitting tribute to Eamon's father Paddy and funds raised have made a significant contribution, including the building of a puppy block for our newborn pups and the purchase of a male breeding dog.

Pictured above presenting the proceeds from the 2011 event to our Chief Executive, Padraig Mallon, is cycle participant Martin Gordon with his guide dog Gola (left) and event orginator, Eamon Linnane (right).