A WEST Belfast man now living in England is cycling a 2,200-mile journey around Ireland to celebrate the historic links between Ireland and Essex.
Aidan Spence (64) grew up in the St James' area and left for England to pursue a career as a nurse. He now lives in Chelmsford and is an integral member of the Irish community there.
Setting off from Rosslare on 26 June, he has travelled the length and breadth of Ireland in support of St Cedd's GAA, St Cedd's Céilí Band, Cúpla Focal na nGael Chelmsford, and the wider work of Chelmsford Irish.
After stopping in his native West Belfast in recent days, Aidan will complete the 2,200-mile journey later this week.
"There is a big Irish culture in Chelmsford. My cycle is to promote that basically and to raise some money," he explained.
"I am following the coast the whole way around Ireland. I was put up by friends and different people along the way. It is 2,200 miles in total.
"My cycle started in Rosslare on June 26. I then went through Waterford before continuing west through Cork, Kerry, Clare and Limerick.
"I don't stay more than two days anywhere. I was in Belfast staying with my brother then on to Dublin and back to Rosslare for the end of the week."
The cycle is called Aidan Cycles for Cedd, named after St Cedd, Essex's Irish-speaking patron saint.
In 654 AD, Cedd founded a monastery at Bradwell-on-Sea on the Essex coast. Educated in the Irish monastic tradition associated with Colmcille and Iona. He helped forge lasting links between Ireland and Essex that endure to this day.
There is also a remarkable connection behind the name. St Cedd was trained under St Aidan of Lindisfarne, one of the great figures of the Irish missionary tradition. More than 1,300 years later, another Aidan is helping strengthen the connection between Ireland and Essex through this journey.
Along the way, Aidan will visit Gaeltacht communities, GAA clubs, traditional music sessions, heritage sites and places connected to Ireland's rich cultural traditions. He hopes to meet the people who keep those traditions alive today, hear their stories, and showcase the deep and enduring links between Ireland and Essex.
"By sharing these experiences with the community back home, my journey aims not only to raise funds, but also to celebrate our shared heritage and strengthen the bonds that continue to connect both places," he added.
"This challenge is about more than cycling. It is about exploring the relationship between Ireland and Essex, celebrating the communities that keep Irish culture alive, and supporting the organisations that help that connection thrive today.
"Every pound raised will go directly towards supporting Irish cultural, sporting and community activities in Chelmsford and mid-Essex, helping ensure they continue to grow and flourish in the years ahead.
"If you can, please make a donation and share with friends, family and anyone who values Irish culture, community and heritage."
You can donate to 'Aidan Cycles for Cedd' JustGiving page here.
