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At the official starting line for the Annual Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle, on Beech Road, Killarney, the inspirational Ian O’Connell, had the honour of starting the event with Cathaoirleach Kerry County Council, Cllr Norma Foley, Cathaoirleach Killarney Muncipal District Cllr John Sheahan, also at the starting line was Ian’s Mum Nora O’Connell, Carer Kitty Scannell, Aidan Bergin, and Dignitaries Bishop Ray Browne, Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle Founder Denis Geaney, PRO Cathal Walsh, Lily of Killarney, Carmel O’Leary, Old Velos Brendan Hennessy. Photo: Valerie O’Sullivan
AROUND 7,000 people set off this morning on the Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle with a brave young man from Killarney among those cheering them on at the start.
Ian O’Connell, who sustained life-changing injuries when he fell from his bike last August, was there with his family to watch the cyclists take the challenge and many of them are taking part in his name.
Also seeing them off were Mayor of Kerry, Cllr Norma Foley, and Bishop of Kerry Ray Browne.
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The 175km fun cycle will see hundreds of thousands of euro raised for a number of chosen charities. The beneficiaries include the Kerry Parents and Friends Buy a Bus Campaign, Down Syndrome Ireland, Enable Ireland, Irish Kidney Association and St Mary of the Angels, Breakthrough Cancer Research, Bru Columbanus, Kerry Hospice Foundation, Baile Mhuire, Caherciveen Social Services, Irish Community Rapid Response, KDYS, Pieta House and St Joseph’s Home, Killorglin. Scroll down for photos…
Ian O’Connell and Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council, Cllr Norma Foley,among those seeing off the cyclists. Photo:Valerie O’Sullivan
Team Geaney… Denis Geaney, Founder of the Annual Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle, gathered his troops on Saturday morning and for the very special 35th anniversary Charity 180 Km Cycle. Along with Guest of Honour Ian O’Connell, was Lily of Killarney Carmel O’Leary, Rugby Legend Mike Galwey, CEO Gleneagle Patrick O’Donoghue, old pals James Looney, Dan McCarthy, Bill Lyne, Batty O’Sullivan, Spa GAA Club Jim Gleeson, Cllr Sean O’Grady, Lead Car Seanie O’Donoghue. Photo: Valerie O’Sullivan
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The Sem Boys… Michael Horgan, centre, best friend of Ian O’Connell with his class mates from St Brendan’s College Killarney setting out on the 35th Annual Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle, from Killarney. Photo: Valerie O’Sullivan
Denis Geaney addressing cyclists at the start of the Annual Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle, on Beech Road, Killarney. With Denis is Bishop Ray Browne, who blessed the cyclists and PRO Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle, Cathal Walsh. Photo:Valerie O’Sullivan
