This Sunday Irish Kitesurfer, Waterford native Eoghan Quinn (31) will attempt to open a new road of travel between France and Ireland “the Kitesurf Road”.

Travelling around 15/17 knots per hour, Eoghan, who lives daily with Type 1 Diabetes, plans to kitesurf across the waves in less than 16 hours and raise vital funds for Diabetes Ireland and further promote that you are not defined by your diabetes.

The Kitesurf Road” is 275 miles long and has never been completed, although previously attempted by others, and this clearly sets out the “daunting challenge” in front of Eoghan. On top of that he has to manage his blood glucose and insulin levels on the board for the duration of the attempt, which just adds greater difficulty to the challenge.

Weather depending Eoghan plans to set off on Sunday morning at 2am in France, arriving in Ballycotton Pier Cork at 10pm.

“I was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at the age of four. You can allow illness to define you negatively – or you can choose to let it empower you. I’ve definitely chosen to be empowered. I hope it will help to inspire others with illnesses to reach high.”

Eoghan is not a stranger to taking on challenges and has completed various other high adrenaline adventures over the years which include a 6000km cycle from Ireland to Gaza, crossing 14 countries and kitesurfing in shark invested waters in Australia.

Kieran O’Leary CEO of Diabetes Ireland “over the years, I have seen many people do amazing things to highlight that Type 1 diabetes is not a barrier to achieving great things in life. Then Eoghan comes along with this challenge and I think “Wow”. It is a huge challenge, which has never being done and this will only inspire not just young people with Type 1 diabetes but everyone with diabetes to live life to the full.”

Eoghan will be kitesurfing behind a Ballycotton Sea Adventures boat which will ease his path breaking the waves for him.  A crew of six will also include full medical support. “The only concern is the weather and that “somebody tried this journey before but did not succeed”.

“I have a waterproof insulin pump and full support from the crew on the boat. We will manage the risk and we won’t put anyone in danger. We just want to show people that anything is possible if you put your mind to it.”

Support Eoghan’s epic challenge and Diabetes Ireland by making a donation HERE