11 cyclists left Dublin on May 30th and rode 1,500 km through the UK, the Netherlands and Germany, arriving in Gdansk just in time for Ireland's first match against Croatia at Euro 2012 — all to raise money for three incredible charities.
Pedal to Poland was born from a simple but ambitious idea: cycle from Dublin to Gdansk in time for Euro 2012, and raise as much money as possible for charity along the way.
An 11-strong team of cyclists departed Dublin on May 30th, 2012 and pedalled 1,500 km through the UK, the Netherlands and Germany before crossing into Poland — arriving just in time for Ireland's first round match against Croatia in the European Championships.
The event attracted strong media attention, including coverage on RTE's main evening news, an interview on Phantom FM, a DCTV documentary, and a unique partnership with the FAI (Football Association of Ireland). A signed Irish jersey, autographed by Robbie Keane, Shay Given and the entire squad, was auctioned on the Pat Kenny Show and raised an incredible €1,700 for the cause.
The campaign was a partnership with healthy pizza brand Magioni and supported by FrieslandCampina, Drukzo and Plugify.
1,500 km across 5 countries in 14 days — from the Irish Sea to the Baltic coast.
The Football Association of Ireland announced a unique charity partnership with Pedal to Poland for the European Championships 2012, backing the team's mission to combine sport, charity and the national celebration of Euro 2012.
Every kilometre counted. The team cycled to raise funds and awareness for three charities close to their hearts.
Chosen because team member Stephen suffers from arthritis. Arthritis Ireland provides vital support, information and funding for research to help the over 900,000 people in Ireland living with arthritis and related conditions. The team wanted to raise awareness alongside funds for this often misunderstood condition.
Chosen because team member Stephen had a personal connection to the cause. Headstrong works to change how Ireland thinks about young people's mental health, empowering communities to support young people aged 12–25. Their Jigsaw programme provides free, early-intervention mental health support.
Chosen to support the global mission of sustainable energy access. Renewable World brings clean energy solutions to communities in the developing world, transforming lives through solar, wind and micro-hydro projects. Team member Declan later worked for Renewable World in Kenya.
1,500 km through 5 countries — Ireland, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Germany and Poland.
🇮🇪 Start
🇬🇧 UK
🇳🇱 NL
🇩🇪 Germany
🇵🇱 Poland
From RTE coverage to signed jersey auctions — the campaign captured imaginations across Ireland.
DCTV's Susan Jackson produced a mini documentary on the team as they prepared for the trip, filmed at the launch night and Euro-Eurovision song contest at The Grand Social in Dublin.
The team recorded audio diaries from the road, including a Phantom FM interview and updates from Wittenburg, Germany on Day 11 as they neared Poland and Gdansk came into sight.
On the Pat Kenny Show on RTE Radio 1, an Irish jersey signed by Robbie Keane, Shay Given and the full squad was auctioned. Captain Americas won with a €1,700 bid for the three charities.
The team's departure was covered on RTE's main evening news in a 2-minute newsreel. The latest podcast diary documented the start of the 1,500 km journey from Dublin.
A celebration of football songs at The Grand Social, Dublin. The clapometer eventually crowned Warren Donoghue's "Peddling To Poland" as the campaign's official anthem.
The FAI announced a unique charity partnership with Pedal to Poland for Euro 2012. The 11-strong team would leave Dublin on May 30th and arrive in time for Ireland vs Croatia.
The campaign was made possible through the generous support of partners, the FAI, and the Irish public.
Read the full story of the ride — the team, the route, the daily diaries, and how it all came together.