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Cyclists Rob Ryan and Kate Counihan with Cathal Walshe, Chairman Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle pictured in Killarney to announce that the annual Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle raised over €1,000,000 for charity this year. Photo: Don MacMonagle
THE Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle last night presented cheques totalling more than €1 million to the charities involved in the prominent charity cycle event this year.
The presentation took place Friday night at the INEC Killarney with a dinner and drinks reception to honour the charities and volunteers who work tirelessly to provide support and services to the people of Kerry and across Ireland.
The cycle event, which will take place on Saturday, July 7 next year, is the biggest one-day charity fundraising event in Ireland. To get a sense of the scale of fundraising undertaken, a total of €120 per cyclist has been directly donated to the charity beneficiaries.
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Now heading into its 35th year, the event attracts over 9,000 leisure cyclists, from Ireland and abroad, to complete the cycle challenge scenic Ring of Kerry route, while at the same time fundraising for worthy charities.
Amongst the beneficiaries benefitting from the funds raised this year to improve and expand services are the Kerry Parents & Friends Association, who have found themselves able to purchase three new transport vehicles as part of their Buy a Bus Campaign, helping them to provide an efficient, reliable transport service to the people of Kerry with special needs.
Others to benefit are Recovery Haven Kerry, Down Syndrome Kerry, Kerry Rape Crisis and Sexual Abuse Centre, Talbot Grove, Rathmore Social Action, Derrynane Inshore Rescue, Temple Street Hospital, Camp Hill Dingle and Valentia Hospital.
Cathal Walshe, PRO of the Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle said of the announcement; “We were delighted with the huge support people have given once again this year which has resulted in significant donations made to very worthy causes, which our beneficiaries are using in various ways to improve and expand services for people across all walks of life.
This event would not be possible without the ongoing hard work and support from our team of organisers, charities and 1400 volunteers. A huge thank-you to the cyclists who support us every year and to those who joined us for the first time this year – See in you all again on 2018!”
Cyclists can register for the 2018 cycle from March 10, 2018 and are encouraged to follow the event on social media platforms for all updates.
Truly amazing.