The Aran Islands’ doctor returned to a hero’s welcome at Inis Mór last weekend – after completing a 185-kilometre endurance race in Lapland to raise funds for the local community centre.

Dr Evangelos Drosos became emotional as he disembarked Aran Ferries Friday evening at Cill Rónáin Harbour where a crowd of islanders had gathered to give him a surprise homecoming.

Fire Brigade personnel and island Garda Aidan Coughlan were among the crowd of about 90 people who gathered to welcome the Greek national home to the island after a gruelling fundraising adventure in freezing temperatures in Sweden.

Many islanders had followed Dr Evangelos’ progress on a live link for the Lapland Arctic Ultra 2025 Race from March 2-6.

Dr Evangelos slept in a tent in freezing conditions at the end of each race day – he travelled through frozen rivers, lakes, swamps, and forests in temperatures as low as minus thirty.

Caption: Crowds out at the pier to greet Aran GP Evangelos Drosos on his return from his Lapland marathon. Photo: Kevin O’Meara

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