Peter Ryan returns home to Upperchurch-Drombane as a hero!

It was a very special evening in Drombane last Saturday as Peter Ryan was honoured on his official return.

The evening began with a thanksgiving Mass in Drombane where the Pastoral Council of Upperchurch-Drombane made a presentation to Peter, his fiancée Gemma and his mother Eileen.

The former Tipperary Person of the Year was honoured for his Vision Ireland fundraising efforts as he ran from Malin Head in County Donegal to Ireland’s most southerly point at Mizen Head in County Cork over five days, with the longest leg seeing Peter run the equivalent of over three marathons in just one day.

In the church Fr Tony Ryan spoke of how proud all in the parish were of his efforts to help others. Marie McLoughlin made a presentation of a €500 holiday voucher to Peter from parishioners for his efforts.

Peter then explained to the congregation from the alter how grateful he was for all the continued support.

Following Mass, refreshments were served in Drombane Hall and the team that supported Peter on the trip around Ireland spoke on stage about what an emotional journey it was, full of laughs and tears along the way.

There was plenty of stories from time spent “on the road”. The group were up daily before dawn, and Peter continued running until nightfall. It was an emotional evening in Drombane as Tom Ryan Casey documented the occasion.

Speakers on stage included Derry native Megan O’Sullivan-Sweeney, the event Project Manager, as well as Tipperary native Paddy Moynihan.

They spoke of the physical and mental journey Peter endured doing ultra marathons. Gemma O’Gorman, Peter's fiancee, recalled the week and spoke about the kindness of people they met along the way.

Peter then presented a cheque for €118,000 to Vision Ireland. Katie Drea, from Vision Ireland which was formerly NCBI, said “the beneficiaries will be people living in small villages and towns throughout Ireland who will be able to avail of better knowledge on eye care, leading to earlier diagnosis and better eye health”.

“The Vision Van, that Peter helped put on the road, will now be able to reach those people, and that is the legacy that Peter as well as his supporters, and all those who donated to his campaign have created for others. It is truly a great achievement,” she said.

And so say all of us.