Navan cyclist's call out to track down local hero

A Navan cyclist who suffered a nasty fall whilst training for a 24-hour adventure charity race at the weekend wants to track down the unknown man who came to his rescue. Ciarán Breslin (35) a facility coordinator with Meath Enterprise from Abbeygrove was cycling out of his estate when a freak accident happened left him lying in the middle of the road. A mystery man approached the cyclist and stayed with him until he was on his feet again. Taking to Facebook Ciaran says the shocking incident got the better of him and the local hero moved on before he had the chance to thank him. 

"So yesterday morning you might have seen that I took a tumble off my bike. The tumble was witnessed by a gentleman out for a walk. This man did more than just witness my fall, he pulled my bike out from the middle of the road, asked if I wanted him to walk me home, told me my eyebrow was split open and I think he offered to bring me to A&E. 

"I will admit I was a bit shook after headbutting the tarmac so I can't recall what I said to him!
The vague description I have of this man is he was about 5ft 6/7 ins, aged approximately in his 50s-60s, I think he was wearing a black hat and grey jacket. 

"Would you know anyone who was walking at the front of Abbeygrove estate heading in the direction of Abbeylands at about 8.45 am yesterday morning? Want to get a gift to this man as a sign of my gratitude." 

Ciaran had been out early Sunday morning training for "The Race", a 250km unsupported endurance event across the rugged landscape of North West Donegal. The marathon is a test of endurance that starts at 5am and doesn't end until 5am the next morning.  To finish, competitors have to complete 15km of kayaking, 166km of cycling, 5km of mountain running and 64km of road and trail running. All funds raised go to Self Help Africa, a charity that works with rural communities to help them improve their farms and their livelihoods and empower rural Africa to achieve economic independence. 

 

Ciarán is no stranger to sporting challenges 

"I only just got a brand new bike on Friday as I am training for a 24-hour adventure race for charity on March 23rd. I live in Abbeygrove and got to the front of the estate," says Ciarán, adding, "I was looking around and there were no cars coming to my right-hand side so I went to take the corner and the bike went right and I went left. I don't know how it happened. I landed on my left side so I lost a couple of layers of skin on that side of my leg. I remember hitting my head off the curb but I was blessed because I was wearing a helmet.

"I ended up in the middle of the main road. I saw a man coming over and he proceeded to help me onto the pavement. I was in a state of shock so I can't remember much, I just know he was concerned and didn't want to leave until he knew I was ok. He offered to bring me to the hospital or take me home. I made it home and my dad brought me to A&E. I ended up needing three stitches above my eye. I was very lucky."

 

 

"I don't even know if I said thank you to the gentleman. I'd hate if he walked away thinking that I was ungrateful. I'd like to know if he's ok too because I'm sure that he got just as much of a fright as I did. He might have gone home worrying about me. It takes something as simple as this to happen to lift your faith in humanity and know that it still exists."

The cycling enthusiast says he will think twice before going out in bad conditions in the future. 

"I've taken a few chances going out in icy conditions over the last couple of months just to get the miles in but this will be a lesson for me to stick to the turbo trainer if there is any sign of ice in the future! I'm not in it to win it, I just want to get to the finish line, challenge myself and make some money for charity. If I could find this man, it would be brilliant. I just want to say thank you and shake his hand."