Killarney to Mallow 77km

We were picked up last night by Mike, our host. Mike had only a van so he took one of us and his neighbour Paddy took two more. On the way Mike said we would stop at  Supervalu to get supplies to cook dinner.

We had a great dinner in a fine big farmhouse in front of a roaring stove with wine and good craic.

Mike is a great character, has spent years in the States and cycled across America before coming home to Ireland.

Such an inspirational man. Some of the guys were going out to the pub but we decided to stay in the homestay for the evening. That was a good decision. I need a quiet night.

Woke this morning to another dull day. looks like rain might come . But, gotta get up and out.

Nice bowl of porridge , some brown bread and jam and we are off back to the start with neighbour Pat. Mike is a roofing contractor and is gone as we are leaving.

Back at the school Pat came in with us to see what goes on. Its a great school we have coffee and tea and scones laid on and it really hits the spot. The school have put on a good show for us. Some of our own guys also put on a moving presentation before we hit the road.

Last night my legs were burning and I am fearful that I might struggle today. Its more like rain now but Im told the road to Mallow is not too hilly. We are heading for Kanturk for our lunch stop in another school. The schools are fantastic. They go to so much trouble preparing for us to arrive and are always out to meet us when we arrive onto town.

There are some drags but the legs are holding up well. Hard to know why cause I thought I would suffer today. Kanturk eventually arrives and there is the mother of all hills up to the school. I have no idea whose idea it was to put a school up there. Must be a nightmare to get to school in the mornings for the pupils. It was so steep that after lunch we had to walk down it. Too dangerous to cycle down.

The presentation was very moving and we had Bob Carley there entertaining us. Bob is classic with heart rending stories.

Off again now to Mallow a short hop across. Its a very pleasant cycle after the rain and I am renewed with some dry gloves and an extra layer from my day bag.

I got no notification about my homestay in Mallow so it will be a surprise. Who know where I will be tonight. Thats the adventure.

Im met by Paddy who is taking 3 of us, me, Gerry who I've roomed with before and his 16year old son, Liam who is cycling with him. We are staying with Fiona and Pat in Buttivant.

Paddy is not a fan of Roy Keane and Gerry soon finds that out! 

Fiona is lovely and is very welcoming with her son Darragh.

Its always great to get in and have the shower.

Dinner and a bit of entertainment from 8 year old Daragh is great fun.

Tomorrow promises to be good weatherwise and Gavin is coming to cycle the leg tomorrow fro Mallow to Cashel.