In memory of my friend Barry

in 2019 Barry O Mahony rang me out of the blue asking me if I would do the Ironman 70.3 with him in 2020 in Youghal, Cork. I laughed and told him that I couldn’t swim the length of myself so probably not.

In typical Barry fashion he told me I had plenty of time to learn, we laughed about it and both signed up.

Unfortunately 2020 was cancelled due to the pandemic, and Barry took his own life in April 2021.

Barry was the big man, a tall, silent, stoic type. He got on with doing things he wasn’t a talker he was an achiever. Never bragging about his achievements.

In his honour, I have decided to take up the challenge, and I’m going to complete the Ironman 70.3 the Saturday, August 13 with him beside me in spirit.

After consulting with his family, I'm raising money in aid of A Lust For Life and every donation will help. Thank you in advance for your contribution to this cause that means so much to me.

More information about A Lust For Life: Multi-award winning Irish mental health charity based in Ireland that uses content, campaigns and events to facilitate young people to be effective guardians of their own mind - and to be the leaders that drive our society towards a better future.

if you can spare some money, and your mind, please help support this mental health initiative, and through doing so We can strive to support people like Barry and many others to walk there a difficult path.

Mark