A significant takeaway for reporter Peter Murtagh from his motorcycle journey, stretching from the southernmost part of South America to the highest point of Alaska, was “to seize the opportunity and just go for it”. After retirement in 2019, he had to postpone his intended adventure due to the Covid crisis, but finally embarked on this incredible trip from the south of Chile in late 2022, equipped with just his motorcycle and a tent.
At the debut of his book, “From Tip to Top”, in Hodge Figgis bookstore on a Thursday, Murtagh shared that the most significant realization from his expedition was his own capability to accomplish it. He expressed to his relatives, friends and past coworkers who were gathered, “The world is actually small, and with today’s ease, you can travel wherever you desire”. His second important lesson was to “fear not”.
Murtagh voiced his conviction that fear of exploring the world and of unforeseen circumstances could be very restrictive. He encouraged people to “seize the opportunity and just go for it”, emphasizing that there are no age limitations, one can commence a new journey at any time.
The book was praised by “semi-retired” RTÉ presenter Sean O’Rourke who portrayed it to be “a remarkable creation, a succession of beautifully narrated tales”. According to O’Rourke, the author stood out as “one of the most exceptional journalists of our era”.