This weekend, as St. Patrick’s Day celebrations light up worldwide, Irish flags will be flying high in every corner of the globe. However, one daring Irishman has gone above and beyond, proudly waving the tricolour every single day for the past year while cycling from Ireland to Australia.
Meet Fergal Guihen, a dedicated nurse from Roscommon, who has been chronicling his incredible journey and the challenges he’s faced along the way on social media. So far, he has pedaled through 20 countries, traversing the diverse landscapes of Europe, the Middle East, Central Asia, and Southeast Asia.
Fergal’s journey has not come without its fair share of adventure. He once found himself cycling through a sandstorm in Afghanistan, showcasing his resilience and determination. Reflecting on his motivation, Fergal shared, “Being a nurse, I understand the crucial importance of end-of-life care. It’s often not until a loved one requires these services that we realize just how vital they are. Additionally, mental health in Ireland is an issue that deserves more attention; we truly need as many support services as we can get.”
In homage to exploration, he affectionately named his trusty bike “Nimrod,” a nod to Ernest Shackleton’s famed Antarctic expedition. Last St. Patrick’s Day, Fergal celebrated in Paris, and this year, he has his sights set on Bangkok, Thailand, where he plans to introduce a group of Thai children to the joys of Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) sports.
What does he miss the most while making his way across the globe? “I really miss a good cup of tea made with Irish milk. The Irish sense of humour is also something unique that you simply can’t find anywhere else,” he remarked. “There truly is no place like home. Yet, every memory I create during this journey will stay with me, allowing me to share these experiences with my family and friends for years to come.”
“Life is a journey, and every mile brings a new story,” as they say—something Fergal embodies fully in his adventurous spirit.
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring
