Geoff McMahon has broken the hang-gliding distance record with a 129.5km flight from Arra Mountain in Co. Tipperary to Valleymount near Blessington, Co. Wicklow on April 11th. Geoff just pipped the long-standing previous record of 128km was held by Eddie Redmond and it has stood since 1988 when Eddie flew from Mount Leinster to Oldcastle, County Meath.

Geoff said "Monday was a good day but couldn't really have been described as a textbook classic day. Patience and milking every bit out of whatever lift I was in at the time before moving on was what got me the result. It just goes to show that you can never ever accurately predict what to expect on and XC unless you go over the back and give it a go. I hope word of my flight will create more enthusiasm amongst those new to free flying and those flying for a while to go cross country. It is in my opinion, easily the most rewarding and exhilarating part of our amazing sport of free flying."

Geoff won the IHPA Hang Gliding Cross-Country League in 2004 and was a member of the Irish team at the Red Bull "Giants of Rio" event in 2004.

Congrats Geoff, on this well-deserved acclaim and best wishes from all your HG and PG friends in IHPA.