An Epic Journey Across Canada Now Complete But Not Forgotten
On May 2, Irish hurling champion Tony Griffin launched his epic cross-Canada 7,000 kilometre cycling journey from Vancouver. His goal was to raise EU150,000 with funds to benefit the Lance Armstrong Foundation, the Irish Cancer Society and Ovarian Cancer Canada.
It was the untimely passing of his father Jerome - who died of lung cancer in 2005 as a result of exposure to asbestos in the construction industry - that led to Tony's ambitious undertaking.
As a result of his father's death, Tony decided to put his illustrious career as a Clare senior hurler and 2006 GAA All Star on hold to take on this massive undertaking to "Ride for the Cure."
The night before his departure from Stanley Park, the men and women of the Irish Sporting and Social Club (ISSC) of Vancouver hosted a brilliant fundraising event at the Blarney Stone in Gastown. Ronan Deane of the ISSC was really the lynch pin in getting the fundraiser organized. He did just a fantastic job as master of ceremonies of the event.
Letter to Tony Griffin
from the ISSC
Dear Tony:
I would like to take this opportunity as president of the ISSC to thank you for your thoughtful e-mail to Ronan Deane as I too appreciate Ronan's delegation during the planning of the fund raiser.
I will be certain to pass on your thanks to the many many people involved, who without their hours of hard work such an outcome would not have been possible.
I think I can speak for all when I say we thoroughly enjoyed reading your diaries online as you crossed Canada, knowing that we too played a small part in your incredible journey.
I'm sure now that you will reach your target for the fundraising and beyond long into the future. I can't stress enough how much respect I have for you and for your crew as a family member of a cancer victim.
I lost my own father to cancer in 1991 and I know better than many the emotions which led you to start this journey of discovery. A father is never just a father, he's your best friend, and we seem to think they'll live forever.
Alas, this is not the case, as you well know. We can only honour their memory by being the best person they strived so hard for us to be, as they brought us up with both sacrifice and love.
I can say without a shadow of a doubt, no finer man than you he could have raised. You have not only honoured his memory, you have immortalized it. When we think of your incredible achievements, we can't help but think of the man who inspired you.
Graham Hancock
Preesident
Irish Sports and Social Club Vancouver
PS: Fr. Pat from St. Luke the Evangelist church in Kilmore D.5 asked me to tell you, there's surely a place in heaven for you after your great act of charity, but would you ever get your arse back in the Clare forward line. You can guess where he hails from.
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