A misty start and good friends

We spent the night on a mooring at Youghal. It was good crack rowing in. Myself, Brendan and Tobin were relieved to get onshore though. The current was running very strong from the river blackwater while Brendan was rowing us to shore, but we were going backwards! I couldn't stop laughing.

Kilmore to Youghal

Hook Head lighthouse guided Stoney B just outside Kilmore Quay

A Kilmore Welcome

Arriving in Kilmore Quay, we were welcomed by David Dempsey and his son David Jnr, Jer Keeling, and John and Carol Gibbon (of Culmore Point), in their yacht "Ron Ruadh" (red seal). These people are so friendly.

Brendan went up a mast again (must enjoy the view) on John's yacht, helping out with jackstays, while I disappeared when they were looking for winch pullers. Thank you all so much for your contributions towards Sail for MacMillan Cancer Support. It was not expected and I was truly humbled. We also met John MacNamara from Lymington who was sailing "the Otter" and a yacht "Siosainoir" from Plymouth, you were all so supporting.

(From left to right) David Jnr, Jer, Tobin, David Snr, John and Carol

Stoney B on the east coast

Tobin likes watering the wheels in Howth

It was a beautiful sail down from Howth to Wicklow. We checked the Marine Traffic AIS for fast ferries going in and out of Dublin port and made our way across the bay. It was a beautiful sail, the weather was stunning and Brendan, Tobin and I basked in the sun and keep a careful eye for incoming and outgoing shipping.

Howth in sight marking end of first leg around Ireland

An early start today from Kilkeel harbour. 6.30am all up and raring to go. Des, Danny, Tobin and I all anticipating a pleasant sail to Howth. Approximately 12 hours sailing ahead, unfortunately it was short lived. We hit a 33 knot wind that's a force 7, storm conditions, 11 miles off shore and had to run for cover.

Tobin getting the VIP treatment

Tobin sussing out the local talent as we make our weekly visit to Jollyes petstore, Buncrana rd, Derry. The Staff here are all dog lovers and Tobin gets the V.I.P. treatment every time.

Fantasie 19 sailboat for sale

Sara and Tobin waiting for cast off to begin another adventure around the north coast on "Buitisi" (wellie boot)

This wee cruising yacht sleeps two adults and two children. A fantastic starter bilge keeler boat, and of course there's room for a wee dog. She's for sale if anyone's interested the boat not Sara, £2000 with trailer and 4hp long shaft 4-stroke Mariner outboard. The proceeds of this sale will go towards MacMillan cancer support, go on make an offer.

Check it out on the web, click in fantasie 19 sailboat.

Tobin hoping for some donation from statues

Tobin fundraising for Macmillan, there's no escape even if you are pretending to be a statue ,these bronze statues represent both sides of the community, note the hands are not touching just reaching out ,sadly there are still some people devoted to sectarianism there is always hope that in the next few generations it will no longer exist, I have met them from both sides and if frightens me,in some ways its like a cancer virus but there is a cure JUST OPEN YOUR HEART.

B&Q staff and customer fundraising event

My local B&Q store on the Buncrana Road, Derry have been wonderful support allowing a fundraising event to take place in aid of MacMillan cancer support. The staff having really made an effort and the customers kind generosity shone through as they contributed throughout the day.

There's no place like home

One man and his dog, inseparable

I've been discharged from Hospital, thank God. Plenty of rest now until the medical team put a plan of action in place to remove a tumour just at the top of my kidney under the tip of my right hand side ribcage.

Stormy seas

Love in a boat, in times of trouble you've kept me afloat.

We've been through some rough waters, hit a few rocks, and sailed through stormy seas. Pictured is my partner Sara McFadden, Tobin and I, on Stoney B.

A Seadog's Farewell

A Seadog's Farewell 

Take my paw

As I bid farewell

I'm heading west

For the Atlantic swell

Woof! Woof!

An Original poem by Tobin 

£224.60 raised today

Toby and I have met some wonderful people today in Spencer Road, Clooney terrace and Duke Street. We finished up with £224.60.

I am Raftery the poet

Darren and Toby beside the "Stoney B"

A Poem by Anthony Raftery

I'm Raftery the poet,
Full of hope and love,
My eyes without sight,
My mind without torment. 

Going west on my journey
By the light of my heart,
Weary and tired
To the end of the road 

Behold me now
With my back to the wall
Playing music
To empty pockets for nothing at all.

Publicity with the Derry Journal

Thank you to the Derry Journal for spreading the word. Every donation counts.

One man and his dog set for an epic sailing trip around Ireland

Launch of the Sailing for MacMillan trip