Mizen to Fair head attempt
On Saturday the 26th of August Murphy & Gunn sponsored rider Padraig Marrey will attempt to break Paul O Doughue record of 18hrs and 37minutes from Mizen head Co Cork in the South West of Ireland to Fair Head Co Antrim in the North East of Ireland, 380 miles total distance.
Stephen Murphy of Murphy&Gunn BMW stepped in to sponsor the attempt, Padraig states he is very grateful as an attempt of this nature costs a lot of money.

Stephen says“ I have supported cycling in all its facets over the last few years with sponsoring Team Murphy& Gunn and the likes of the Shay Elliott cycle race and I am more than supportive of Padraig Marrey’s attempt he has helped the team this year with his coaching and I know of all the planning, training and time that goes into attempting such a long distance record like this.

Padraig who is not known as long distance Time trialist, believes he has the form to break the record. He states “ I have been talking about attempting this record for the past 3 years, its not a challenge that I am taking lightly, Joe Barr set a high standard in 1993 with a time of 19 hrs and 3 minutes that was with an average speed of 20mph, he was riding as a full time bike rider at the time and scored numerous wins in that year, now the bar has be made even more difficult by Paul who is a renown long distance time trial specialist, he was the 24 and 12hr record holder and has achieved many accolades in long distance cycling. The last few months, training has been going well, I have been mixing road racing with time trailing with the odd long spin thrown in for good measure, if I am to break the record I need to average up to 21mph accumulatively, so I have prepared myself for a tortuous ride”

June 30th last, Padraig was one of the leaders and coach to a group who achieved their life dream by cycling from Mizen head (Co Cork) to Malin head Co Donegal) in 20 hrs and 53 minutes non stop. “I found that challenge quite easy which gave me the confidence to have a go at this long established record. My form has been good of late with 4th in Kilrush, 3rd overall in the Ballinrobe 2 day, and 2nd in the National Criterium Championships to none other the Specialist Dave O Loughlin of the Navigators professional team. I also have done the 8 day FBD Ras and all off Irelands other leading stage races, I know I can give this record attempt a good rattle if I get the right conditions, I will need a strong South westerly wind if I am to have a chance.
I will make a decision on the attempt on Wednesday the 23rd of August when I consult with Met Eireann”
Padraig has one of the best support crews around with Jim Tuohy working on logistics Mary Mulchrone as driver for Officials, Mark Quigley and Sean Quigley in the mechanics car, Joseph Marrey as Marshall, Micky Mc Kenna will act as lead car driver in the last 3rd of the journey through the Northern territory .
Joe Maguire is the official time keeper and Mick Toomey is chief commissaire for the attempt.

The attempt will start at 5am at Mizen head on Saturday the 26th of August. Passing through, Macroom, Millstreet, Charleville, limerick, Nenagh, Athlone(200mile mark) Cavan, Monaghan town, Cookstown, Portglenone, Ballycastle arriving in Fair head around 11pm. 380 miles total distance.