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Cian O'Regan: Ireland's 4 Peak Challenge in 44 Hours

To undertake the four highest peaks in Ireland in 44 hours with very little sleep is a serious physical challenge and requires tremendous fitness and mental strength. It’s an incredible endeavour being undertaken by Cian O’Regan of Dassault Systèmes starting on August 17th 2024, all in aid of our work to change lives.

One of our trainers Ciara McAuliffe and her apprentice Laura Bateman, along with Dogs in Training, Nelson, Monty and Kim recently met with Cian to find out more.

What is the challenge?

“The challenge is to climb the highest peak in each of the four provinces: Slieve Donard in Ulster taking approximately five hours, Lugnaquilla in Leinster taking four and a half hours, then on to Munster’s Carrauntoohill for a six-hour climb, culminating in a four-and-a-half-hour climb of Connaught’s Mweelrea. We are hoping to have a bit of energy for a celebration afterwards!”

What was the inspiration for this challenge?

 “Every year at Dassault Systèmes we get volunteer days, and for the last couple of years we’ve brought a group to Cork city centre where we were fundraising for Guide Dog Day. It turned into the best day of the year! The buzz that the team here had from talking with the general public about the amazing work the charity does, getting to meet some of the dogs and some of the Guide and Assistance Dog owners, it was just really inspirational. This year, I decided I wanted to do something a bit extra, so I took on a challenge; it’s a four-peak challenge – a nod to the charity’s four-legged friends.” 

What have been your preparations for the challenge?

 “When you do challenges like this, the most important thing is being in the safe hands of a really good team. The team includes qualified mountain leaders and wilderness first aiders, not forgetting our drivers who have the task of getting us to each peak as quickly as possible.

I spent time with renowned Irish trail runner, Sean Clifford in his base in the Pyrenees mountains doing a lot of hiking and trail running, so I’m feeling physically ready for the challenge. In terms of the mental preparation, Jason Black, who has summited Everest, is guiding us through the whole challenge. He will be climbing with us.”

Chatting with Ciara, while Dogs in Training, Nelson, Monty and Kim lay relaxed on the floor, Cian spoke further about the preparations that go into such a challenge. “You literally need every bit of food that you’ll require for the 44 hours and some comfy clothes to be able to sleep in between each peak. A thing you say for the trails, ‘You have to pack for all seasons’, because we probably will get all seasons!”

Have you done anything like this before?

“No, not of this extreme kind nature within Ireland. This is a real back-to-back kind of job.”

Where can people find you, if they want to donate? Are you on social media?

“I have an Instagram account about hiking in Ireland - @IrelandMountainGuy. I’ll be posting quite a lot about it. I’ll have all my donation links in the bio.”

Cian’s GoFundMe page can be accessed through the following link: https://gofund.me/e8185fff.

We always love to hear from volunteers and fundraisers on your efforts to raise funds to help us continue Changing Lives. If you’re interested in sharing your story, please reach out to Communications@GuideDogs.ie with the subject line ‘Fundraiser Interview’.

Main Image: From Left to Right: Apprentice Guide Dog Mobility Instructor, Laura Bateman with Dog in Training Kim, Cian O’Regan from Dassault Systèmes with Dog in Training Monty, and Guide Dog Mobility Instructor, Ciara McAuliffe with Dog in Training, Nelson.