Large crowds celebrate at Sydney Opera House to mark end of Roscommon man’s global cycle

Large crowds gathered at Sydney Opera House today to celebrate the end of a Roscommon man’s two-year charity cycle across the world.

Fergal Guihen’s mammoth 'Rossie to Aussie' 23,000km challenge has taken him through 28 countries and three continents over the last two years since leaving his native Arigna on March 10th 2024.

Hundreds of Irish people congregated at the iconic opera house to welcome the Arigna man across the finish line at about 2 p.m. (3 a.m. Irish time).

Fergal set out on his incredible journey with the goal of raising awareness and funds for both the Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation and North West STOP. His fundraising cycle has raised more than €150,000 to date.

Speaking upon his arrival at Sydney Opera House, Fergal said: “I’ve arrived at Sydney Opera House, two years after leaving my home in Roscommon, travelling the full length of three continents and 28 countries. What I originally believed would take one year ultimately became a two-year adventure and, without question, the toughest thing I have ever done.

"Along the way I navigated the remote valleys of Afghanistan, endured minus 20 degrees on the Tibetan Plateau, and found myself followed by undercover police through the Taklamakan Desert in China.

"I was drugged and attacked in Iran, requiring seven stitches and later facing questioning over suspicions that I was a spy. I made it through all of those terrains and many more on the very same bike I left Roscommon on, armed with nothing more than the belief that I would rather try and fail than never try at all.

"This journey was always about more than just the distance. I am incredibly proud to have raised over €125,000 for the Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation and NorthWest STOP suicide prevention services, with many more donations expected from businesses throughout Australia and Ireland.

"Both charities are extremely close to my heart. The Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation provided vital palliative care for my great grandmother in the final days of her life.

"My aunt died by suicide when I was just four years old, and eight months into this journey, I was forced to return home after my first cousin passed away from suicide at the age of 28.

"The support I received throughout the journey was overwhelming. I met extraordinary people along the way and relied on the kindness of strangers across dozens of countries.

"Donations and messages of encouragement came in from all over the world, and in every country I passed through, I experienced a generosity I will never forget. I know the funds raised will make a real difference, and I am deeply grateful to everyone who supported me along the way.

"Now that I’m in Sydney, the plan is to continue advocating for these two charities, step back from the saddle for a little while, and share everything I learned from two years on the road. After that, I’ll start thinking about what the next challenge in life might be - whatever that may be.”

You can donate through his iDonate page at www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/RossietoAussie.