Hero's welcome for Waterford man after 30,000km cycle
Mikey Phelan, a teacher from Waterford, completed a 30,000km round-the-world cycle to honor his late brother, Owen. The journey raised €30,000 for a special school to fund a sensory garden and weather station.
Why it matters
This story highlights community-driven philanthropy and the personal impact of memorial initiatives on local educational infrastructure.
A Waterford man has arrived home following a 30,000km cycle around the world in memory of his late brother.
Mikey Phelan set off in April 2025 for what was initially intended to be a cycle from Dungarvan to Athens with his friend and teaching colleague, Mark Cummins.
However, having reached their destination, Mr Phelan wasn't ready to come home.
His brother, Owen, had passed away in November 2024 from a degenerative nervous system condition similar to multiple sclerosis.
The "Cycle for Owen" campaign has since raised €30,000 for St John's Special School in Dungarvan.
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