Local ex-pro rugby player to ‘drive and sing’ through 32 counties this weekend
A former professional rugby player from Tullamore is to take to take to the roads this weekend as he drives around the 32 counties of Ireland in a fully electric car.
Peter Bracken, who previously played with Connacht and Munster, and rugby player-turned musician Mikey Smyth from Dublin are aiming to sing a county song as they enter each county.
They are also raising funds for the charity Mayo Autism Camp which Peter is involved with. The charity provides socially inclusive activities for autistic children and their families, through meaningful play and peer interactions.
On Saturday, Peter and Mikey will start driving from Dublin before arriving in Offaly between 10am and 11am where they will be joined by a special guest singer who they say is “well known.”
Mikey will be doing most of the singing, with Peter taking on the driving duties.
“Nobody wants to hear me sing so I’ll spare people that torture,” said Peter. “The whole intention is to have some craic without over planning it.
“We’ll head from Uibh Fhaili towards The Déise across then to the Rebel county, up past the Kingdom, on towards the Banner county and eventually an overnight stay in Mayo.
“On Sunday morning we’ll set off inwards towards Cavan, then up to Donegal, around the six counties and then back down towards a finish in the Pale.”
Both men will be live on Facebook throughout the weekend, with Mikey available on ‘Mikey Smyth Music’ and Peter available on facebook.com/peter.bracken2/.
“We’ll be charging the car and our bellies as we go,” Peter continued. “It’s not a race, we’ll go with the flow, see where things take us.
“We’ll give people a few hours’ notice of an estimated time of arrival to different counties, exactly where we’ll be etc., as we’re traveling.
“If anyone wants to meet us, sing a song with us, you’re more than welcome. All social distance protocols will be adhered to.”
Peter says he is looking forward to getting behind the wheel of the car.
“Thanks to Connolly Motors in Ballina, Co. Mayo for giving us the lend of the car to do the trip. It’s a brand new all-electric SUV so I can’t wait to get behind the wheel. I haven’t driven it before so can’t wait.”
Those wishing to donate to Mayo Autism Camp can visit the GoFundMe page on https://gofund.me/698a750f