18 cyclists from O’Connell’s GAC Tullysaran in Co Armagh are preparing to embark on one of the club’s biggest fundraising initiatives to date – The Liberator Tour.

From 6–8 August 2026, the team will cycle 285 miles from Cahersiveen, Co. Kerry, to Tullysaran, Co. Armagh, raising vital funds for Air Ambulance Northern Ireland while also supporting the future development of O’Connell’s GAC Tullysaran and ensuring the club continues to provide opportunities for generations to come.

Months of dedication, training and teamwork have gone into preparing for the challenge, with cyclists completing hundreds of training miles across Northern Ireland and beyond.

MORE THAN JUST A CHARITY CYCLE

The Liberator Tour has become much more than an endurance event.

Through daily social media updates, humorous rider profiles and behind-the-scenes stories, the cyclists have built a loyal following. Every rider has developed their own unique personality and nickname, creating a sense of fun and community that has encouraged people from far beyond Tullysaran to follow the journey.

While there has been plenty of laughter along the way, the commitment behind the challenge has been extraordinary. Families, volunteers, local businesses and supporters have all played their part in helping make The Liberator Tour possible.

THE TEAM BEHIND THE TEAM

Although 18 cyclists will take to the road, two of these cyclists have been working tirelessly behind the scenes to make it all happen.

One of those is Jason McGahan, Head of Strength and Conditioning with Kerry GAA, who proudly hails from Tullysaran. Jason has been instrumental in working on the logistics of the event, organising accommodation and helping to drum up excitement in Kerry by incorporating a cycling trip to every GAA club in County Kerry.

Working alongside him has been his cousin, Colm McGahan, whose organisation, planning and countless hours behind the scenes have helped turn an ambitious idea into reality. Together, they have been instrumental in coordinating every aspect of the event, from training and logistics to supporting the cyclists throughout their journey.

Their dedication reflects the incredible volunteer spirit that exists within O’Connell’s GAC Tullysaran, where countless people continue to give their time for the benefit of others.

SUPPORTING AIR AMBULANCE NORTHERN IRELAND

Air Ambulance Northern Ireland provides a life-saving service that reaches people when every second counts.

The cyclists are proud to support such an important charity while also raising funds to help secure the future development of their own club, creating better facilities and opportunities for children, young people and families across the community.

COMMUNITY SUPPORT

The response has been overwhelming.

Local businesses have sponsored the challenge, families have backed the cyclists through the popular “Sponsor a Mile” initiative, and supporters have followed every training ride, fundraising event and social media update.

The Liberator Tour has become a true community effort, demonstrating what can be achieved when people come together for a common cause.

KEY FACTS

• 18 cyclists
• 285-mile route
• Three-day challenge 6-8 August
• Cahersiveen, Co. Kerry to Tullysaran, Co. Armagh
• Raising funds for Air Ambulance Northern Ireland and O’Connell’s GAC Tullysaran
• Thousands of training miles completed over the past six months
• Months of community fundraising and sponsorship support
• Hundreds of local supporters following the journey online

CONTACT

Helen Donnelly📱 07810183024 or email helenconlon@yahoo.co.uk

Facebook: O’Connell’s GAC Tullysaran

Support the challenge: 💝 https://shorturl.at/rtrVY