Omagh man takes on 10 Ironmans in 10 days for suicide prevention

A daring Omagh man has set a monumental New Year’s resolution that would test the limits of most hardened athletes.

Dáire Fitzgerald has committed to completing ten full Ironman triathlons in ten consecutive days, all in the name of charity.

Unsurprisingly, when the 37-year-old announced his plans, he was asked variations of the same question – ‘Are you mad?!’

Just for clarity, Dáire plans to do a 2.4 mile swim, a 112 mile cycle and 26 mile run – ten times in ten days!

Therefore, his pledge translates to a staggering total of 1,400 miles.

Previously recognised as a world champion in breakdancing, having clinched the title with the ‘Bad Taste Cru’ in 2008, Dáire is no stranger to physical and mental challenges.

But now he turns his attention to arguably the most difficult fitness test he has ever endured.

“The idea was well over a year in the making,” he explained.

In sharing his motivations for the challenge, Dáire said he felt compelled to fundraise for a charity geared at suicide awareness and prevention for a series of different reasons.

“A lot of people I know have taken their own life, unfortunately,” he shared. “I myself have also been going through my own personal struggles in 2023 – I wasn’t in a great place. I needed to do something with purpose and impact – so I set myself this goal.”

Dáire works for mental health organisation, St John of God, which helps the homeless, disabled, elderly and vulnerable.

“This is all about giving back and helping those who need it,” he added.

Juggling the rigors of training with a full-time job, coaching responsibilities, and parenting, Dáire’s dedication remains unwavering.

“I’m already about 8-10 weeks into training,” he shared. But it’s not about me, it’s about the larger purpose.”

In preparation, Dáire intends complete both the Manchester marathon and Hamburg Ironman this year.

His big challenge commences just outside Newcastle upon Tyne on August 23 with the tenth and final Ironman taking place at the ‘Geordieman’ event on September 1.

Dáire is encouraging supporters from Tyrone and beyond to join virtually, and will be posting a schedule on social media.

However, a few people intend to fly over and join Daire in the penultimate day of his challenge.

In the meantime, Dáire said he hopes to keep building on donations and if you wish to donate, you can do so by searching ‘Dáire Fitzgerald’ on ‘JustGiving.com’.