Alan Corcoran is a charity fundraising Irish adventure athlete. Competing as an Irish international track and field athlete as a juvenile, he switched to ultra-endurance at the age of twenty, when his dad, Milo, suffered a stroke. Alan has since fundraised 45,000 for stroke and cancer charities through his resilience challenges. He became the first to run a lap of Ireland - 35 marathons in 35 consecutive days - and the first to swim the length of Ireland - a 500-kilometre sea swim. Corcoran has written a multi-award-winning book ('Marathon Man') and directed a feature-length documentary film ('Unsinkable') about these two challenges.
'Hilarious, inspiring, moving, and utterly madcap' Anna Deacon and Vicky Allan, authors of The Art of Wild Swimming series '...infectious enthusiasm, honesty, and considerable storytelling skills - the dialogue and pacing are especially top-notch...full of warmth and wit...A very enjoyable, inspiring, and emotional read' LoveReading (awarded Star Book) '...fast-paced and exhilarating...a true journey of the heart, inspired by familial love, grief, and a dedication to pushing his mind and body to their limits...Corcoran's writing talents are similarly impressive - particularly his keen eye for natural details...the memoir not only details the athleticism necessary to accomplish his ambitious goals, but also defines Corcoran's endeavours as affecting, determined efforts to work through grief and to channel his anger and negativity surrounding the loss of his father into a physical challenge...A bold, uplifting testament to the tenacity of the human spirit' Kirkus Reviews (awarded Starred Review) 'Well-written, passionate, and moving' Belfast Telegraph 'A touching, heart-warming, and inspiring story of the indomitable spirit of man' Professor Greg Whyte OBE, Olympian, Professor of Sport & Exercise Science, author of Achieve the Impossible 'As Irish adventures go, this must be one of the most extraordinary and difficult to date. Unsinkable is an astounding story, brilliantly told with a unique voice' Sean Conway, author of Hell and High Water 'A fascinating insight of a determined novice swimmer taking on the ferocious extremes of the Irish Sea' Dr Heather Massey, Senior Lecturer in Sport, Health, and Exercise Science and an English Channel swimmer 'An empowering and inspirational story of the human spirit, grit, and determination' Jordan Wylie MBE, Sunday Times bestselling author of The Power of the Paddle 'Unsinkable is about much more than swimming. It's about life and death, love and friendship, and grief and survival. It's about how whimsical ideas can turn into inspiring trials of endurance, courage, and resolve' Outdoor Swimmer Magazine 'Alan turns grief into greatness' SwimSwam Magazine 'Five out of five. A must-read...a great adventure book for everyone looking for something inspiring' Reedsy '...captivating...Unsinkable describes the tragedy and teamwork behind his challenge in a sincere, comprehensive, and colourful way...Unsinkable will grab your attention and, like a vortex, won't let you go until the final pages. Alan's efforts are sure to inspire readers' World Open Water Swimming Association 'Compelling...Corcoran's vivid descriptions and storytelling immerse readers in his journey...filled with inspiration, humorous moments, and emotional highs and lows....this memoir goes deeper than just making a swim. He touches on the pain of losing his father and the moments of discouragement...gripping...will touch the heart of all that pick this book and encourage them to fulfil their dreams' Literary Titan (awarded Gold Award) 'An extraordinary account of determination and tenacity...a hugely enjoyable romp of an adventure through the treacherous waters of the Irish Sea. As Marathon Man was, Unsinkable is a beacon of inspiration' The World of Nonfiction Books (book critic)