Three Irish kayakers completed an incredible adventure that started in Dublin and took them to the Asiatic shore of Istanbul after over eight months, thirteen nations, and 5,000 exhausting kilometers.
Last Friday marked the conclusion of Johnny Coyne, Liam Cotter, and Ryan Fallon’s cross-continental journey, “Project Dublin to Istanbul.” The goal of this endurance challenge was to raise money for a therapeutic center for children with cancer in Ireland and to increase awareness of humanitarian activities in Gaza.
They were greeted by their families, Anadolu Agency (AA), Bosnian-Australian filmmaker and activist Reshad Strik, and supporters from all over the world as they paddled up to the district of Üsküdar, which faces continental Europe from the opposite side of the Istanbul Strait. The three held the flags of Palestine, Turkey, and Ireland in their poses.
To commemorate the occasion, Johnny Coyne wore a Turkish national football jersey. He claimed the trip changed the way he saw the world. He said to AA, “You spend a lot of time in nature, and it feels very primitive. You work hard and struggle all day, yet you have a great appreciation for the small things in life. It gives me purpose in this way”
What were the setbacks?
However, there were some uncertainties along the way. One of the most difficult setbacks occurred in France, when they were detained for three weeks due to a canal restriction. “The part of the French canals we reached was closed, so we were requested to leave. For three weeks, we were stranded and unsure of what to do,” he remembered.
Rather than giving up, the three of them walked 350 kilometers (about 217 miles) to the source of the Danube with their kayaks. “We were only pulling our kayaks as we travelled along rivers and across mountains. Although it was one of the most difficult times, we were able to overcome it”
Coyne claimed that living simply changed his perspective on what is important. Lessons that could not be taught in traditional settings were discovered while sleeping under the stars, depending on one another, and travelling across expansive landscapes.
What was the purpose of this journey?
He also emphasized that the purpose of the journey was to raise awareness for problems that were important to them, not only to push their boundaries. Over 52,000 Palestinians have been murdered in Israel’s offensive in the Gaza Strip, which has also destroyed large areas of the enclave and left hundreds of thousands suffering from acute food, fuel, and medication shortages. In reference to the humanitarian catastrophe, Coyne remarked, “I know there’s not much I can do personally but spread awareness. I simply believe that everyone is aware of it and that it requires input.”
The English Channel was the hardest stretch for teammate Liam Cotter. He remarked, “The English Channel was probably the most challenging stretch of water we were on.” The night before we were crossing, Johnny and I got to the Dover Cliffs at around ten or eleven p.m.”
“We slept directly beneath the Dover cliffs without a tent; we simply jumped into our sleeping bags, slept for roughly four hours, and then got up at around four in the morning and started working. It took half the day to complete what should have just taken a few hours. It was really, really difficult, but we eventually made it there, even though the weather wasn’t ideal and was choppy.”
Friendship means everything
According to Cotter, they persevered because of their strong friendship. “I believe that Johnny and I would work well together. I believe we’re fairly adept at putting disagreements to bed, moving on, and moving on, even when we do have disagreements. On certain days, we spend eight hours on the kayaks without stopping. We spend the entire day eating tuna tins, almonds, and other foods. It can become a
little boring” Cotter’s aim, however, extended beyond the paddle.
In reference to the circumstances Palestinians endure under Israeli bombings in Gaza, he stated, “We have an opportunity to spread the word because we are making a documentary.” It’s terrible, it’s illegal, and we’re grateful for the chance to raise awareness and educate people about what’s going on.”
Ryan Fallon joined the expedition
Throughout the voyage, he had to make difficult choices at times to ensure the group’s safety. However, the generosity they experienced along the way made it all worthwhile. “What caught me off guard the most? Goodwill of people,” he stated. “People have been incredibly kind and welcoming, especially in Turkey.“
However, the team’s last stretch was tense when they neared Istanbul and navigated the congested waters of its famous strait. He claimed that they “were really cramped in, getting splashed around” as they crossed the international commercial chokepoint. At the end, I was terrified of capsizing.
Why we need to support Gaza
Looking ahead, Fallon stated that future explorations would likewise focus on important causes. He stated, “We always want to have a cause that people can donate to.” “Gaza is a significant one. Being Irish, we have a great deal of empathy for the situation in Gaza.
Declaring that it is genocide is not contentious. Because all you need to do is spend five minutes or so looking into it,” he remarked. Fear, pride, and family Clodagh Stankard, Coyne’s sister, arrived by plane from Vancouver to greet her brother.
She remarked, “I believe my family was a little more anxious than I am.” “There’s always a little anxiety and trepidation, but I know that Johnny can put his mind to anything he says.” She eagerly awaited his texts throughout the most of the journey. We would look forward to hearing from him at the end of each day. We would become anxious if there wasn’t one.
It was quite moving to see him come in Istanbul. “Being here with my family and supporting Johnny and the boys today makes me very happy,” she remarked. “I travelled from Vancouver, Canada, to be here, and I wouldn’t have missed this opportunity for anything.”
Michelle, Ryan’s mother, travelled from the Netherlands for the final. Her voice was shaking as she said, “I was just so super proud of them.” Actor and activist Reshad Strik, who is Bosnian-Australian, was among many who celebrated the team’s arrival and commended its message and mission.
Historical ties between Ireland & Turkey
He remarked, “These guys want to do something for change,” referring to the way their journey had developed into a forum for discussing political matters. Citing strong historical ties between Irish and Turkish people, he claimed that the squad left Ireland not only in pursuit of adventure but also to commemorate their admiration for Turkey.
Strik went on to say, “Irish people definitely speak up.” “This is a fantastic illustration of what is possible.” “To unite and strengthen ties between two stunning nations, these men journeyed for seven months. I find it to be lovely.
For a tour spanning Europe, Strik added, he could not imagine a more fitting destination. They’ve travelled across almost all of Europe and are now approaching the tip of Asia, which makes it incredibly iconic. “It’s a complete beautiful fairytale that they ended in what I believe to be the capital city of the world.” “There is no better city in the world to end this journey.”
Source: Daily Sabah
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