In 2008 after being cleared of cancer I set about raising some money for Cancer Care West by rowing 100km on the Shannon. Cancer Care West is a voluntary organisation set up to fill the gap in our Health system providing support and accommodation to those attending Galway Hospital for cancer treatment. This treatment, although it takes only minutes each day, often extends over six or seven weeks. I took advantage of this facility and after seven weeks stay came away an enthusiastic supporter of the ideas and the staff who run it. "Cheerful Efficiency" is how I would describe it.

After three years of good health and a cancer scare for my wife Dickie I decided it was time to fundraise again. As I will turn 80 this summer I have decided to row 80km this time. Over the weekends of June 18th, 19th and 25th, 26th I will row 80km on the river Shannon starting at Carrick on Shannon downstream to Tarmonbarry and back. I will do this in a rowboat built in Belmount Co. Offaly in 1973 and like me it's beginning to show it's age! All monies raised will go to Cancer Care West.

I will be accompanied at all times by the half barge Alameda (that’s a whole other story!) and my son Pierce in a sea kayak (some other kayakers may join us for the last leg). When it comes to family we have lots of volunteers on hand; my wife Dickie of course and our children Ciaran, Ana, Helen, Colm, Aoife, Bairbre, Mary, Donal, Una and Pierce. The family extends from Auckland New Zealand to California to Brussels but most now live in Ireland. The next generation (depending on age) will lend help or hinder on the day; Tadhg, Killian, Caoimhe, Hannah, Aoife, Liam, Roisin, Daragh, Hugh,Niamh, Conor, Donnacha, Daniel and Jude.

So anyone who would like to send me an 80th birthday present just click the donate button on the right hand side of this page and support my 80 at 80 campaign!

To quote Sean O’Farrell “Small donations gratefully received, large ones jumped at!”