and a keen cyclist) will carry on the circuit through counties Tipperary, Waterford, Wexford, Kilkenny and finish the day in Carlow. And so on, the route carries him up through Leinster, across Ulster, zig-zagging down through the counties of Connought and completing the circuit through Clare, Kerry, Cork and Limerick and on to journey’s end in Tipp town on Monday July 3rd. The detailed route has been planned and mapped out and totals just over 1400 km. Each day’s cycle is in the region of 140km being covered at a daily average of 23km/hr..jpg)
Providence is a school for very underprivileged children who for financial reasons cannot afford to go even to free schools.
The funds raised by 32 IRELAND 32 will go towards ensuring that the 5 qualified local teachers ( now in Providence School and totally committed to giving these marginalized children some opportunity in life) will be paid. Monthly pay works out at around Euro 80 each per teacher. Yes, Euro 80, not a misprint. To date it is a monthly chore for Br Steve to come by this money…always trusting in Providence. Providence is not only the name of the school; it also portrays the Edmund Rice aspect ………. if it’s God’s will that it (the school) will run, it will run.
Prologue: Sat June 24
Tipperary, Bansha, Cahir, Clonmel and overnight in Ballypatrick)
55 km 3 hrs 30 mins cycling time. Average speed 15.7 km / hr. Racer (BH)
The cycle, 32-IRELAND-32 started in Tipperary town at 3.20 pm with a prologue of 15 cyclists cycling from Tipperary to Ballypatrick, Clonmel (Slievenamuc to Slievenamon) with a short rest in the shadow of Cahir Castle to take on water before carrying on through the main thoroughfares of Clonmel. 
Met a number of friends and supporters at the Tesco Centre there as we rested. 
Then on to Ballypatrick on the southern slopes of Slievenamon, a hot shower, a tasty barbeque and the first overnight.
Tipperary, Bansha, Cahir, Clonmel and overnight in Ballypatrick)
55 km 3 hrs 30 mins cycling time. Average speed 15.7 km / hr. Racer (BH)
The cycle, 32-IRELAND-32 started in Tipperary town at 3.20 pm with a prologue of 15 cyclists cycling from Tipperary to Ballypatrick, Clonmel (Slievenamuc to Slievenamon) with a short rest in the shadow of Cahir Castle to take on water before carrying on through the main thoroughfares of Clonmel. Met a number of friends and supporters at the Tesco Centre there as we rested. Then on to Ballypatrick on the southern slopes of Slievenamon, a hot shower, a tasty barbeque and the first overnight. 
161 km 7 hrs 50 mins cycling time Average speed 20.3 km /hr Hybrid (Dawes)
On a quiet Sunday morning I commenced the solo section as I passed through Co Waterford (had a view of Mount Sion on the hill as I moved along the bypass on the southside of Waterford city. For Day 1 and 2 I had to carry my gear in panniers and that added to the energy needed. Crossed into Co Wexford on a quiet ferry and cycled northwards towards New Ross.
Lunch in Inistioge on the banks of the Nore and then up through Gowran and into Co Carlow. 
At this stage a steady wind blew straight into my face and slowed me down a bit. Tried in vain to locate a licensed premises showing the Munster Final. Had to rely on regular phone calls for updates. Saw the final 20 minutes when I arrived at accommodation just north of Carlow. Disappointing result but a satisfying days cycle.
Fine weather all day… not a sign of rain.
Crossed over the border shortly after leaving Castleblayney and never noticed it. Cycled into Crossmaglen by the football field – everything still quiet at this hour of the morning. 
Newry was all at rest and in Banbridge the red-white-blue bunting and decorated archways for July 12 really caught my eye.
Moving up the eastern side of Lough Neagh (but never visible) was effortless with a slight tailwind. 
Lunch in Antrim Town and them westwards and across the bridge at Toome to enter county Derry. 
Really enjoyed the assistance of the wind; made the best of it and saw very little evidence that I was in a different jurisdiction.
I had planned to cycle down the Glenelly Valley to Plumbridge but by the time I realised my error there was no point in turning back…just made the best of where I was and met up with the B46 at Greencastle and turned right for Newtownstewart. The detour hadn’t resulted in any extra or fewer kilometres. 
In Gortin I had an interesting conversation with Telecom workers as I refuelled with Lucozade. 
Back over the border again at the bridge in Clady and hardly a sign to mark the passage. 
Lunch in Ballybofey and now I was facing into a wind as I entered Barnesmore Gap. 
In the narrowest part of the pass the wind was gale-force straight into my face; I was glad to get back out into the open country again. 
Just short of Donegal Town I turned south-east and headed for county Fermanagh which I entered at Pettigoe and cycled on towards Kesh. 
From here it was a straight line along Boa Island in Lower Lough Erne towards Beleek. Rain at this stage was torrential and blowing into my face. No point in changing or covering up with destination just up ahead. I was glad to have accommodation all organised and a hot shower waiting.
