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From left, Hugh O’Brien, Yann O’Carroll, Billy Hart, Aaron Buckley, Kimberley Horan and Sonny Bohane pictured at the launch of the Tom Crean Unsung Hero Cycle at Ballyseedy Home & Garden. Photo: Catherine Tangney.
THE Kerry branch of Down Syndrome Ireland (DSI) is adding the finishing touches to preparations as it gets set to welcome cyclists to the 4th annual Tom Crean Unsung Hero Cycle which takes place this Saturday, September 24th from Ballyseedy Home and Garden Centre in Tralee.
In the absence of any direct Government funding for speech therapy, occupational therapy, physiotherapy and many more services, this annual charity cycle will once again raise vital funds for children and adults who live in all parts of Kerry and into the borders of Cork and Limerick.
Established in 2018, the Tom Crean Unsung Hero cycle pays homage to renowned explorer Tom Crean whose family are directly involved in the DSI Kerry branch. The cycle also remembers the much-cherished DSI Kerry member Emily Keohane, who sadly passed away in 2017.
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Cyclists register and leave from Ballyseedy Home and Garden Centre from 8am to 10am.
The charity cycle offers three route options for participants. Route A (75km) sees cyclists depart Tralee and travel through Aunascaul and Inch before returning to Tralee.
Route B (112km) will see participants travel the same route but with an additional journey through Dingle returning via the Conor Pass.
Route C (150KM) continues through Dingle and around Slea Head before travelling back to Ballyseedy Home and Garden Centre via the Conor Pass.
Cyclists will be automatically entered into a draw upon registering for a prize pot of €1,000 if over 1,000 cyclists participate in the event and into our general raffle.
Participants can register online for the cycle as well as on the morning of the 24th between 8am and 10am. Registration for the cycle costs €35 and all donations to Down Syndrome Kerry branch are much appreciated.
At Ballyseedy Home and Garden Centre in Tralee, cyclists and supporters will enjoy a day of family fun with light refreshments, music and entertainment.
A general raffle will be held, with prizes including a €1,000 voucher for Adare Manor, a €500.00 heating oil voucher and a €300 Tesco voucher.
Speaking ahead of the cycle, Enda O’Brien of DSI Kerry and grandson of Tom Crean said, “We are very much looking forward to the fourth edition of the Tom Crean Unsung Hero cycle and we hope as many people as possible can come along to partake and to cheer cyclists along as we honour all our unsung hero, cyclists and supporters alike who raise such vital funds for our children and adults. It’s a very special day as we also remember DSI Kerry member Emily Keohane who is sadly no longer with us. The funds raised on the day will help to ensure DSI Kerry continues to provide essential services for our members. ”
Supporter of the cycle, Nathan McDonnell, CEO of the Ballyseedy Home and Gardens, commented, “Our ethos at Ballyseedy is – People, Plants and Planet, being at the heart of community charity events is something we are passionate about and helping fundraise for a worthy local cause is vital. We look forward to hosting the event and welcoming the participants along with Down Syndrome Kerry on the day.”
Registration for the charity cycle can be completed online at: https://register.enthuse.com/ps/event/UnsungHeroCycle.
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