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AS the shadow of The Ring of Kerry cycle looms large for countless participants, this story of two men who did almost the equivalent of five Ring of Kerry cycles in five days will put Saturday’s cycle into perspective.
Joe Moriarty and Ray Moynihan, cycled a total of 750k in five days, in the process conquering the Pyrenees mountains, which straddle the French and Spanish border and raising €16,571 for the Palliative Care Unit in Kerry General Hospital.
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Joe Moriarty and Ray Moynihan, handing over a cheque for the Palliative Care Unit in Kerry General Hospital, on the site where preparation work for the new Unit has begun, from left: Mairead Moriarty, Margaret O’Shea, Joe Moriarty, Ray Moynihan, Ted Moynihan, Marie O’Connell, Marie McSwiney and Noreen O’Leary. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
“Some days were more difficult than others, some of the climbs were quite difficult, but we managed ok,” said Joe Moriarty.
In total, the pair cycled 34 hours over five days, which is around seven hours in the saddle each day. They were not hanging about either – the pair clocked up an average speed of 20-22kph. Part of the route they took is used in the Tour of Spain, one of the prestigious ‘Grand Tours’ of cycling.
The money raised will go towards an extension to the Palliative Care in KGH, which is currently out for tender.
“We decided to raise the money for Palliative Care on the basis of the great work they are doing and primarily for the great work they have planned over the next 12 months or so,” said Joe Moriarty.
Preparation work has already began on the site of the extension. Work on the new building, which will bring with it 15 new beds is expected to begin in a couple of months time.
“The new building is vital,” said Ted Moynihan of the Kerry Hospice Foundation. “At the moment, up to ten patients or maybe more are in the hospital who should be in this kind of a unit. It’s not fair on them or their families, so the new building will make a huge difference to people,” said Ted.
Total costs of the work is set to be between €5.5m and €6m. The facility will have 15 in patient beds en-suite rooms.
