Galway to Gaza: Bikes baptised in shadow of Green Dragon

galway | miscellaneous | press release Tuesday June 02, 2009 17:21 by Gearóid - Pathways to Palestine gearoid at pathwaystopalestine dot com 0872181545

Irish cyclists will cycle 4000 miles to Gaza for medical aid

Pathways to Palestine, a team of Irish cyclists stopped off in Galway on the Irish leg of their trip to Gaza to baptise their bikes and name them after doctors and paramedics targeted in the recent Israeli invaion of Gaza. They are raising money for 'Medical Aid for Palestinians'.

(Left to right) Ronan Sheehan, John Maher, Eoghan Quinn, Gearóid Ó Cuinn. P2P team cycling in South Park, Claddagh, Galway.

“Galway to Gaza; Irish Cyclists baptise bikes in the shadow of the Dragon”
Pathways to Palestine, a team of four cyclists from Waterford stopped into Galway on the Irish leg of their 4000 mile journey to Gaza, Palestine. The team were invited dockside at the Volvo Ocean Race to visit the Irish-Chinese yacht, Green Dragon. The cyclists were on day four of their 40 day marathon journey to the Middle East raising money for renowned charity ‘Medical Aid for Palestinians’ (MAP). The four bikes carrying them eastward were baptised star side of the Dragon. “We thought it would be a nice gesture to name our bikes after doctors and paramedics killed in the recent conflict after the numerous targeted attacks on ambulances and medical institutions.” Their trip was recently (27 May ) endorsed by two motions of the Scottish Parliament applauding their “epic journey”.
Their current efforts are part of an emergency appeal to provide for neo-natal care and resources for the treatment of burns victims. Gaza’s medical infrastructure has been crippled by two year long siege that has led to malnutrition and many preventable deaths. Medical student and cyclist John Maher (30) applauded the fantastic reception they received in Galway: “Maybe it’s due the generous nature of Irish people but there was no sign of a recession this weekend, we really were encouraged by the donations from ordinary Galwegian’s. However we still have a long way to go not only in miles but also in raising money.” Pharmacy student Ronan Sheehan (22), added “we have decided to take a back-up van which will be donated to a Waafa hospital in Gaza for transporting patients, most of their vehicles were destroyed in the recent military invasion. Anyone interested in helping sponsor this much needed vehicle should contact us”.
The team will take depart from Rosslare, Wexford on the 22 June to France. Donations can be made direct the their designated charity through their website www.pathwaystopalestine.com. As they travel the P2P team can be tracked live and instead of blogging they will 'phlog' (phonecast) their journey via a satellite phone that records direct to their website. The 4000 mile cycle will take 40 days, passing through at least 14 countries cycling a minimum of 100 miles per day. The planned route takes the students, who have little cycling experience, over the foothills of the Alps; across the deserts of Syria; through the lowest point on the planet, before finishing in Gaza.
About Pathways to Palestine: When Eoghan Quinn (21), a type-1 diabetic from Waterford, Ireland learned of the continuing blockade on Gaza from his brother Gearóid (29) he related to the vulnerability of the civilians more than most. “As a diabetic my health is determined by my ability to access medicine, when growing up the desert island scenario always crosses your mind ... how would I survive without the support of a modern healthcare system? I felt I should use my fortunate circumstances to help those cut off from the most basic of necessities”. Back in his hometown Waterford, the two brothers discussed the idea with a number of friends about doing something symbolic to express their frustration with political and humanitarian inaction and ‘Pathways to Palestine’ (P2P) was born.

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