A Sligo cyclist with Cystic Fibrosis will be among 37 taking on the Malin2Mizen Cycle4CF challenge on 10th September
Joe O’Connor will be making the 640km journey from Malin Head to Mizen Head to raise funds and awareness for Cystic Fibrosis Ireland (CFI).
Organisers and participants of the event are encouraging people to come out and show their support as it passes through Sligo on 11th September. The first cycle was set up in memory of Triona Priestley, who passed away in 2014 from CF when she was just 15 years old. It began with just four cyclists and hit a record of 50 cyclists in 2025.
Over €1,200,000 has been raised since the cycle started in 2016, which has helped CFI fund research and advocacy for families affected by the condition in Ireland.
This year, the cycle has a fundraising target of €100,000.
Caroline Heffernan (56 from Galway) is preparing to take on her ninth and final Malin2Mizen Cycle4CF challenge this September, completing the four-day challenge on a tandem bicycle with the help of her dedicated cycling partner, Joe O’Connor from Sligo.
“This will be my ninth and final cycle so it will be a very emotional one,” said Caroline. “I’ve had to adapt to the progression of my condition at different stages of my life, but I’ve never let it define who I am or what I want to achieve. Resilience comes from focusing on what is possible rather than the impossible or what is difficult. Like everyone I am getting older, but what that looks like with CF is unknown. What it means today is that cycling the route independently is no longer possible, but thanks to riding a tandem with an incredible cycling partner, I can still be part of something that means so much to me.”.
Father of two children with Cystic Fibrosis, Joe O’Connor from Sligo says, “Taking part in the Malin2Mizen Cycle4CF is always a great experience, and I am especially looking forward to this event and completing the challenge on a tandem bicycle. As a father of children with CF, I want them to understand the importance incorporating physical activity into their lifestyle to manage their health, as well as the importance of supporting their community. Caroline has been a great friend and source of support to my family, and I am honoured to have the opportunity to give back and support her in return.
“CFI has been part of our lives for many years, and I’ve seen first-hand both the challenges of the condition and the incredible progress that has been made through research over the years. As a parent, I know how vital research is in creating better outcomes and new opportunities for people living with CF. Taking on this challenge is my way of giving back to a community that has supported so many families like ours, while helping to raise awareness and raise funds for CFI to benefit future generations.”
This year’s sponsors include Mullin’s Spar, Sligo, Supermac’s Charlestown and Spar Ballindine and the public are invited to come and meet the cyclists at these locations on the 11th September.
Sarah Tecklenborg, CEO CFI says, “We are so grateful for every cyclist, volunteer and donor who has supported CFI and the CF Community over the years. Thanks to all our sponsors who year on year welcome us to their locations as we pass through for safety checks, refuelling and pitstops. Joe and Caroline partnering this year highlights what can be achieved with a little from our friends and with continued support from the community, CFI can help people with CF and their families to live well as we search for a cure for CF.”
According to the latest data from the Cystic Fibrosis Registry of Ireland (CFRI) there are 1,342 people with CF in Ireland. Despite new therapies which have improved outcomes for Cystic Fibrosis, a cure has still not been found.
Sarah adds, “CF is a complex and challenging condition. While highly effective modulator therapies have improved outcomes and quality of life for many, we still have no cure. Concerns are growing around long-term health issues such as cardiovascular disease, chronic pain, increased cancer risk, and the impact of ageing with CF. As life expectancy improves, research must keep pace with the evolving needs of the CF community, and continued support is needed to fund this vital work and help us find a cure.
“There are questions that previous generations of people with CF were rarely in a position to ask, and research must now keep pace with the changing needs of the CF community and we are asking for your continued to support to fund that research.”
The cycle starts in Malin Head on the Thursday 10th September and will take four days to cover 640 kilometres in their cycle to Mizen Head, which the group aims to reach on Sunday, 13th September. Members of the public are invited to come out and show their support as the cyclists pass through the towns and villages along the way. Members of the public can also donate or find out more about the services and supports CFI provide, by visiting www.cfireland.ie.