The 72 Hour Charity Challenge

My name is Mikey Power, and on July 2nd, 2026, I will attempt the 72 Hour Charity Challenge.

The challenge is simple in theory, but brutal in reality: climb the highest peak in each of Ireland's four provinces while cycling between every single one, all within 72 hours.

* Slieve Donard (Ulster)

* Lugnaquilla (Leinster)

* Mweelrea (Connacht)

* Carrauntoohil (Munster)

More than 800km of cycling. Four mountain summits. Three days of battling fatigue, darkness, weather, and whatever else Ireland decides to throw at me.

But this challenge is about far more than mountains and miles.

I have attempted it twice before.

The first time, I made it as far as the descent from Mweelrea before my body gave out and I could go no further.

The second time changed everything.

In 2025, just 20 minutes into our first climb, my friend Gary Abbott — the heart and soul of our team and the man who believed in this challenge more than anyone — collapsed and died from a heart attack on Mweelrea.

For a long time afterwards, I didn't know if I would ever attempt this challenge again.

But Gary loved what this challenge stood for. He loved the purpose behind it. And that purpose is bigger than any one person.

This year, we are raising funds for Special Olympics Ireland, with an ambitious target of €57,000 — €1,000 for every year of Gary's life.

So I'm going back.

In February 2026, I suffered a complete proximal hamstring avulsion, one of the most serious soft tissue injuries in sport. An MRI confirmed a Grade 4C tear. Most people would have surgery.

I chose rehabilitation because I wasn't prepared to let another year pass without standing on the summit of Carrauntoohil.

For Gary.

For Special Olympics Ireland.

And for everyone who has supported my journey from addiction and depression to a life built on purpose, challenge, and recovery.

I am not a professional athlete.

I'm a 36-year-old father from Innishannon, Co. Cork, a mental health and recovery advocate who believes ordinary people can achieve extraordinary things when the reason behind the challenge is bigger than themselves.

Why Special Olympics Ireland?

Special Olympics Ireland gives athletes with intellectual disabilities the opportunity to compete, belong, achieve, and thrive.

It provides the same things sport gives all of us: confidence, identity, friendship, purpose, and community.

Every euro raised through this challenge will go directly towards supporting athletes across Ireland through training, equipment, competitions, and life-changing opportunities.

Gary believed in that mission.

He showed up for it.

Now I'm showing up for him.

What Your Donation Means

Every euro raised goes directly to Special Olympics Ireland.

Whether you donate €5 or €500, you become part of this challenge. You become part of Gary's legacy. Most importantly, you help create opportunities for athletes who deserve every chance to shine.

I'll be sharing updates throughout my training and across the 72-hour challenge itself.

Please follow the journey, share this page, and if you can, make a donation.

**July 2nd, 2026.**

**Four mountains.**

**Three days.**

**Two previous attempts.**

**One island.**

**One purpose.**