Son of Kilkenny cycles 101 mountain passes in the Alps and Dolomite in 101 days

Harry Long is truly an inspiration. Now in his mid thirties, Harry was  diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at age 14. It was  a very difficult time both for him and his parents. 

Harry is the grandson of the late Frank Crotty of Kilkenny. In his youth Frank was himself a prominent hurler and handballer for Kilkenny. Frank was the youngest child of Raymond and Elizabeth Crotty of Crotty's Bakery Parliament Street, now called Parliament House.

When Harry was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes aged 14, it was a difficult time for the aspiring ski champion and his parents Liz, (née Crotty), and Colin Long who lived in France at the time.

Get a glimpse behind the scenes of famous Kilkenny animation company's creative process

My Father's Dragon: Talk Series at the Butler Gallery in December and January

Harry explains: “From one day to the next I was told I would have to inject insulin multiple times a day, test my sugar level five times a day and carefully monitor my food intake for the rest of my life. I was warned that failure to do this would result in life-changing medical complications.

“Not an easy thing for a young teenager to deal with. Or his parents. In spite of having Type 1 diabetes. “

Harry is  now living a  life both large and loud. In late summer 2022,  he did a cycle fundraiser over 101 mountain passes in Europe to celebrate the discovery of insulin 101 years ago. This amazing adventure was  to help other children diagnosed with diabetes.

BREAKING: Smithwick's scion says brewing to come back to Kilkenny in 2023

Kilkenny brewing legacy to be revived with new state of the art brewery on John Street in 2023

In early summer Harry wrote : “Being diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes was by far the hardest thing I have ever been through and it changed my life forever. I am fortunate enough to have all the tools necessary to overcome the condition. Now imagine going through the same experience with limited access to insulin, test strips and the professional help to understand what is happening to your body. I will be raising funds for Life for a Child to help fellow Type 1's who are not as fortunate.

“Passionate about cycling, I will be travelling through the mountains of Europe this summer attempting to climb 101 mountain passes in 101 days in commemoration of the 101 years since the invention of insulin.

“I'm choosing Life for a Child because the work they do is incredibly important for young people living with Type 1 diabetes around the world."

On Wednesday, September 1, Harry completed his epic cycle  and wrote:  “And that’s a wrap. On September 1st, day 92 of the challenge, I climbed Mont Ventoux. My 101st and final climb of the challenge. For anybody wondering: No, I did not use the remaining days to exceed the 101 goal. I used them to top up all the lost calories, and then some :)

"Now for some numbers: time in the saddle: 228 hours, distance travelled: 4 440 km and  altitude gain: 114 500 metres.

“And the most important number of all: €6’582 !! That’s the amount of Euros we raised. This is way above any of my expectations and I really can’t thank you enough for your contribution. This money really will have an impact and help fellow type 1’s in under-resourced communities access vital medical supplies, education and care.

Thank you, thank you, thank you !

Harry”