This year’s Cycle Against Suicide will resume tomorrow, following the tragic death of a volunteer marshal along the route.
Brenawn O’Connell sadly lost his life yesterday in a road traffic accident. The father-of-three was fatally injured when his motorbike crashed into a truck during the Donegal to Strabane stretch of the route. The accident happened just before noon on Wednesday.
Yesterday the founder of Cycle Against Suicide, Jim Breen, said “Our thoughts and prayers are with our dear friend and his family at this incredibly difficult time. Our hearts are simply broken.”
This afternoon, the organisation issued a second statement, outlining their intention to resume the cycle tomorrow, in accordance with the wishes of Brenawn’s family.
The statement reads in full:
Cycle Against Suicide is strong because of our community and yesterday that community lost one of its dear friends, motorcycle marshal Brenawn O’Connell in a tragic accident.
This is a deeply painful time for Brenawn’s family and friends, many of whom are currently with us on the Cycle. We offer our sincere condolences to them and in particular to his wife Kerry and his children Sadhbh, Kerry Óg and Tim.
It has been a very tough 24 hours for all of us who are currently on the Cycle and we owe a great debt to Abbey Vocational School and the wider Donegal Town community for the hospitality and kindness they have shown us for the last two days.
The primary concern of our team, our cyclists and all those who support us is to fulfil the wishes of Brenawn’s family. This morning they expressed a desire that we continue the journey. This is something we intend to honour and tomorrow we will cycle.
The details of tomorrow’s route and timings will be advised tonight and we appreciate your patience in this regard.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis
