A CBS The Green teacher will attempt to cycle 175km for this years annual Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle on his Penny Farthing bicycle in aid of Kerry Mountain Rescue Team.

Killarney man Anto Cronin will take on the challenge at the annual charity cycle which will take place on Saturday, July 1, for its 41st year.

The Kerry Mountain Rescue Team are one of the beneficiaries for this years Cycle. To date the charity cycle has raised €1.26 million for 34 charities.

Continued below…

The Kerry Mountain Rescue Team comprises of 38 volunteers from all walks of life who are available to respond to emergencies in the mountains at any hour of the day or night, and often in the harshest weather conditions.

The team is based in Killarney with an area of operation covering the mountains of the Iveragh, Dingle and Beara peninsulas. Team members train regularly in specialist rescue disciplines such as casualty care, technical ropework for casualty extraction, helicopter winching, search management, navigation, radio communication and 4WD techniques.

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

IF you’re searching for the perfect excuse to stay motivated throughout 2020 and keep those positive New Year’s health and fitness resolutions in check, look no further than the annual Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle.

Participants are now being encouraged to sign up for the annual fundraising event, which is both a test of endurance and an unforgettable experience.

Registration is now open at www.ringofkerrycycle.ie for one of the nation’s favourite charity cycles, #ROKCC2020, with organisers looking forward to welcoming returning hardy perennials who have taken part in this epic cycle more than once, as well as newbies eager to prove their mettle on the 175k route around the stunningly scenic Ring of Kerry.

Continued below…

“The Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle is considered a ‘bucket list’ experience by veterans of the annual event,” said Bridget McGuire, Chairperson for the Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle.

“The route will undoubtedly test your fitness and endurance, but the camaraderie of fellow cyclists that travel all over the world just to take part, encouragement from spectators, and the knowledge that your fundraising efforts can make such a big difference to deserving charities is all the motivation you’ll need to get you around the route!”

Each year, six charities are shortlisted from a long list of applicants to become approved beneficiaries of the Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle.  This year, cyclists can choose to raise much-needed funds for the following charities:

Ard Chúram Day Care Centre, Listowel – A daycare service that operates from Monday to Saturday and caters for older people in a purpose-built centre in Greenville, Listowel.

Banna Rescue – A voluntary inshore and land rescue unit covering one of the busiest and best beaches in the country.

Breakthrough Cancer Research – An Irish medical research charity focused on raising vital funds for cancer supports and services.

Cunamh Iveragh – A respite home for adults with special needs in South Kerry.

Down Syndrome Ireland (Kerry branch) – Helping people with Down Syndrome to make their own futures as bright and independent as possible by providing them with education, support and friendship every step of the way.

St Francis Special School – Providing educational programmes in Beaufort for students with moderate/severe/profound general disabilities.

Bridget McGuire added: “We are immensely proud that over the course of our 37-year history, the Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle has raised almost €17 million for more than 160 charities. With our cyclists’ help, we’re looking forward to boosting our fundraising efforts this year so we can continue to generously support our nominated charities.”

Registration for #ROKCC2020 costs €100 plus a 3.5 percent service fee per entry.  Cyclists can fundraise with an official Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle 2020 sponsorship card or through the online fundraising platform, www.everydayhero.com

While the six main beneficiary charities benefit thanks to the efforts of the cyclists, an additional number of charities will receive funds raised through the registration process.

Cathal Walshe, PRO for the Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle, said: “Each year, an army of volunteers offer their time free of charge to weary cyclists in search of a refreshing cup of tea, a tyre pump or even a simple word of encouragement. We honestly couldn’t even attempt to hold this event without their faithful support, so from the bottom of our hearts, thank you.”

With an entry limit of 6,500 cyclists this year, places on Ireland’s favourite charity cycle are expected to sell out quickly, so participants are encouraged to secure their spot soon.

The #ROKCC2020 team will be posting regularly across its social media channels, where they’ll offer training tips and hints on how cyclists can boost their fundraising, highlight the beneficiary charities, and introduce followers to a number of cyclists ahead of July 4th, so be sure to follow and tag as you prepare for the big event. For more information and to register visit, www.ringofkerrycycle.ie

TIMO O’Sullivan and Ian O’Connell, both from Killarney, are getting into the spirit of this years Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle 2019 which takes place this weekend.

Their chosen charity – The National Rehabilitation Hospital (NRH) Dún Laoghaire, Co. Dublin is one of the recipients of this year’s Charity Cycle.

6,000 cyclists will take to the Famed Ring of Kerry 175Km route, for the 36th Annual Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle on Saturday, July 6.

Continued below…

Both men are encouraging cyclists to slow down and enjoy the fun and scenery along the way. The inaugural  ‘Triangle Dance’  part of the ‘craic’ at Coomakista pass – the infamous ‘breaking point’, is a new addition to the atmosphere on the day.

The National Rehabilitation Hospital (NRH) provides  specialist rehabilitation services to patients from throughout Ireland who, as a result of an accident, illness or injury have acquired a physical or cognitive disability and require specialist rehabilitation.

It is 35 years since an accident at work, resulted in Timo O’Sullivan, sustained life changing injuries and leaving him wheelchair bound.

Timo is  an avid angler, volunteer with many organisations in Kerry, and a wonderful advocate for wheelchair accessibility.

Timo spent six months in the expert care of the NRH, recuperating from his injuries and being rehabilitated helped him cope with his new life.

Speaking about his time there,  he said; “The treatment and the expert care and lifelong friendship I received from staff at the NRH, has enabled me to  carry out every aspect of  daily life to the fullest  extent. 35 years on, and  I am involved in many volunteer organisations in Killarney, beekeeping is my new passion.”

Ian O’Connell, the inspirational Killarney teenager, who sustained serious injuries in a cycle accident two years ago, is currently undergoing rehabilitation at the National Rehabilitation Centre.

Ian’s mantra ‘if you can’t stand up…stand out’ griped the nation, he now has over 42,000 followers on instagram, through which he offers online support to young people and their families with similar issues in their lives.

Ian continues to defy the odds, continuing his school and gruelling rehab every day.

This year’s Charities to benefit from the cycle include:

• Aras Mhuire Nursing Home – Aras Mhuire endeavours to create a home environment and enhance the quality of life for their residents. Jimmy Deenihan will their ambassador this year
• Cúnamh Iveragh – Cúnamh Iveragh supports children and young adults with special intellectual needs. Kerry football legend, Maurice Fitzgerald, is a proud ambassador for Cúnamh Iveragh and the Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle this year.
• Breakthrough Cancer Research – The primary aim of Breakthrough Cancer research is to implement funding and support for their phenomenal research into cancer treatments in Ireland. Former Olympian David Gillick is their ambassador this year for the Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle
• Kerry Rape & Sexual Abuse Centre – KRSAC provides professional, free and confidential counselling, information and support to those in need. Well known Irish journalist, Billy Keane, is an active ambassador for the centre this year.
• Recovery Haven – Cancer Support House – Recovery Haven is a cancer support house which provides free cancer support services to the people of Kerry. Captain of the Irish Ladies Rugby Team and Recovery Haven Ambassador, Ciara Griffin, will be cycling the ring herself this year to raise vital funds for the cancer support house.
• St. Mary’s of Angels – SMOA is a home for people with physical and intellectual disabilities ranging from mild to moderate, and for many, it has been their home for most of their lives.

There are also an additional five charities who will be allocated funds from the registration proceeds;

Camphill Community Dingle
Brú Columbanus, Cork
Ard Curam (Day Care Centre)
Southwest Counselling Centre
National Rehabilitation Centre Dublin

The Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle is a non-profit organisation of everyday people who come together every year to make a powerful difference to the lives of thousands of people in need across our local communities.

Over the past 36 years, The Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle has raised over €15 million for 150 charity organisations through the annual support of participating cyclists and volunteers.

Outside essential costs to run the 175km Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle, all funds raised go directly to carefully selected charity organisations.

Funds raised to date have contributed towards new hospital extensions, special needs facilities, care for the elderly, suicide prevention, sea and mountain rescue, cancer, kidney and end of life support and much more.

THE Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle has once again broken the million mark, with the official announcement taking place that €1,265,375 was raised from this year’s event.

Official charities associated with the 35th year of the event were presented with their funds at a special reception at the INEC Killarney on Friday evening.

The cycle itself in July saw over 7,000 participants from Ireland and abroad arrive in Kerry to complete the 175KM cycle challenge around the scenic Ring of Kerry.

The 15 main beneficiaries were divided into three main groups which included Disability Support Services, Cancer and Family Support Services and Community Care.

Continued below…

Amongst the beneficiaries benefiting from the funds raised this year to improve and expand their services was the Ian O’Connell Trust charity. Ian appeared on the Late Late show back in May after an accident on a bike which left him paralysed from the neck down.

Ian inspired the nation with his very own life motto “If I can’t stand up I will stand out”. The funds raised will go towards assisting Ian with his rehabilitation and help with giving him the support he needs.

Along with the fifteen main beneficiaries that received donations, there were also twenty local communities that benefited from the event.

Each of these local communities will receive a cheque of €2,000. The local communities were heavily involved in supporting, organising and volunteering for the Charity Cycle.

Cathal Walshe, PRO of the Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle commented; “We are very proud to once again have broken the €1 million mark for very worthy beneficiaries that will utilise the funds raised in various ways to improve and expand services for people across all walks of life. The Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle become an iconic event over the past 35 years and has gone from strength to strength. This event would not be feasible if it wasn’t for the huge support from our organisers, charities and volunteers and of course the cyclists themselves who support us year after year. We look forward to seeing you all in 2019”.

Follow the Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle social media for details on how to register for the 2019 cycle www.ringofkerrycycle.ie

15 Main Charity Beneficiaries

Disability Support Services

Buy a Bus Campaign – Kerry Parent & Friends Association
Down Syndrome Ireland
Enable Ireland
Irish Kidney Association

St. Mary of the Angels (intellectual disability residential care)

Cancer & Family Support Services

Breakthrough Cancer Research
Brú Columbanus (Family accommodation for seriously ill)
Kerry Hospice Foundation

Community Care

Baile Mhuire
Caherciveen Social Services
Irish Community Rapid Response
KDYS – Kerry Diocesan Youth Service
Pieta House
St. Joseph’s Home, Killorglin
The Ian O Connell Trust

Additional local communities beneficiaries:

Abbeyfeale Search & Rescue
Ballinskelligs In Shore Rescue
Banna Inshore Rescue
Childhood Cancer Foundation
Fr Sean Myers Brazilian Fund
Friends of the Children of Chernobyl
Heartbeat Killarney
Holy Cross Day Care Centre
Holy Cross School – Autism Unit
Home from Home
Kenya Education Project
Kerry Cheshire Killarney
Kerry Mental Health, Kenmare
Kerry Rape & Sexual Abuse Centre
Kerry Respite Care
Killarney Water Rescue
Muckross Community Centre
Multiple Sclerosis South Kerry
Novas Support for the Homeless
Sean Cairde
Waterville Community First Responders

THE 35th year of the Ring Of Kerry Charity Cycle was surely one of the best as around 7,000 riders enjoyed some fantastic weather.

With many taking off at 7.30am — and some as early as 4.30am — it was dry and sunny with cyclists in high spirits as they tackled the 175km route with some amazing scenery to enjoy.

Among the participants were a number taking part on vintage bikes for the Ian O’Connell Trust, including Anthony Cronin, a teacher at CBS The Green who cycled a penny farthing.

There were great celebrations  at the finish line in Beech Road car park with food and drink and live music from The Aftermath, Rhythm & Sticks and much more to enjoy. Well done to all who took part. Scroll down for photos by Valerie O’Sullivan…

THIS Thursday, just two days before the Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle, people will have the opportunity to take part in a unique, fun event in The Square, Tralee, from 1pm to 5pm.

The ‘Spin The Ring’ event is part of the KDYS Building Futures campaign and will take place in Killarney, Tralee, Listowel, Kenmare, Castleisland, Dingle, Cahersiveen and Killorglin.

People from the business community, sporting groups and community organisations will complete as much, or as little of the 180km distance of the Ring of Kerry as they wish on a static bike in The Square.

Continued below…

Anyone who would like to participate in or support Spin the Ring can contact KDYS through their facebook page or by ringing 0868411297.

Mr Tim O Donoghue, KDYS CEO said, “We support young people in over 50 communities across Kerry. We are asking everybody to get behind Spin the Ring so that we help even more young people. People can help by signing up to cycle or Spin or by sponsoring a “Spinner” on the day. We would also like to say a huge thank you to Paul and everyone in Killarney Chamber for all their help and support, and to Tom and Sam at Spin Street for sponsoring the event. It shows what can be achieved when communities work together”.

THE Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle is celebrating 35 years’ as Irelands largest one-day charity fundraising event in 2018.

Taking place on Saturday, July 7, this year, registration for the charity cycle will open on the March 10 and the event is expected to see 10,000 recreational cyclists take part, with a small number of locals readying their High Nelly vintage bikes for the cycle again this year.

Cyclists signing up to complete the scenic 175 km fun cycle, will be raising money for 14 carefully selected main beneficiary charities this year and choosing one to fundraise for.

Continued below…

There are 30 additional charities associated with the event also allocated funds from the registration proceeds. Funds raised to date have contributed towards new hospital extensions, special needs facilities, care for the elderly, suicide prevention, sea and mountain rescue, cancer, kidney and end of life support and more.

The main beneficiary charities chosen this year has expanded from 10 to 14 to include national charities such as Pieta House, the Irish Kidney Association and Enable Ireland, all of whom do compelling work for communities across Munster and Ireland.

The 2018 Main Beneficiary Charities can be categorised into disability support services, cancer and family support services and community as follows:

Disability Support Services

*   Buy a Bus Campaign – Kerry Parent & Friends Association
*   Down Syndrome Ireland
*   Enable Ireland
*   Irish Kidney Association
*   St. Mary of the Angels (intellectual disability residential care)

Cancer & Family Support Services

*   Breakthrough Cancer Research
*   Bru Columbanus (Family accommodation for seriously ill)
*   Kerry Hospice Foundation

Community Care

*   Baile Mhuire
*   Caherciveen Social Services
*   Irish Community Rapid Response
*   KDYS – helping all young people reach their potential- by equipping them to become stronger, more resilient with a set of skills which last a lifetime.
*   Pieta House
*   St. Joseph’s Home, Killorglin

“With 35 years of experience behind us, our goal for 2018 is to help people make the most of their achievements by creating a fun and inclusive event and giving them more choice in charities to support,” Tony Daly, Chairman, Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle.

“Our main beneficiary charities have expanded this year from 10 to 14 and include national and local charities who do great work in the communities but need our help to continue. We are looking forward to welcoming all 14 charities, our many cyclists and invaluable volunteers in July to celebrate 35 years of the Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle,” he added.

The registration fee, for 2018 is €100 plus a 3.5% service fee. Cyclists can choose to fundraise for their selected charity through an online fundraising page with Everyday Hero or sponsorship cards. Cyclists can pre-order their official Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle Jerseys at registration.

“There are many great projects and initiatives which will benefit from funds raised and if you choose to fundraise, every euro will go directly to your chosen charity. Registrations will take place on a first come first served basis and we are encouraging all participants to keep an eye on our social channels for regular updates including preparation tips and how your fundraising efforts are positively affecting the charities involved” added Cathal Walshe, PRO Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle.

For more information visit our online links www.ringofkerrycycle.ie on Facebook: @RingofKerryCharityCycle Instagram: @RingofKerryCycle and Twitter: @RingOKerryCycle

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.

Continued below…

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.

A STAGGERING €1,737,700 was raised from this year’s Ring of Kerry Cycle which will be divided amongst 47 local charities.

It’s an amazing figure, but down slightly on last year’s total of €1,890,820.

On July 2, almost 11,000 fundraisers from all corners of Ireland and beyond set out along the route with a shared goal to raise money for many deserving local charities.

Continued below…

“We are delighted to have raised such a huge amount again for such deserving local charities” stated Cathal Walsh PRO for the Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle Committee. “This year more than 45 local charities will benefit from the generosity of our fundraisers and we couldn’t be more proud of that. The charities involved do incredible work all year round in our community and it’s a huge honour to be able to support them in this way once a year. It is always really special to see volunteers from the charities helping out on the day in July, thanking the fundraisers as they complete their journey.”

Special thanks went to the hundreds of volunteers who give their time to make the cycle happen. A year of planning went into organising and managing the cycle and this is done by a voluntary committee.

The committee thanked partners and sponsors Supervalu, SKODA, The Kerryman, Nature Valley, Bon Secures Hospital, and the Killarney Chamber of Tourism & Commerce.With their support most of the running costs are covered.

The 10 nominated Kerry based charities that will benefit from the money raised are; Aras Mhuire Nursing Home, Derrynane Inshore Rescue, Irish Kidney Association (Kerry branch), Pieta House: Suicide and Self Harm Crisis Centre (Kerry branch), RecoveryHaven Kerry, South West Counselling Services Killarney, St Francis Special School, St Joseph’s Nursing Home, Killorglin, St Ita’s and St Joseph’s Post Primary Special School in Tralee and Talbot Grove.

Three second-tier charities received €10,000 with 34 additional charities receiving €2,000 each.

HUNGRY cyclists will consume 23,000 sandwiches and wash them down with 10,000 litres of water at this year’s Ring Of Kerry Cycle according to organisers.

This Saturday sees thousands of cyclists descend on Killarney and the southern half of the county for the event which is in its 33rd year.

The event is bringing together people from every corner of Ireland and beyond with 11,000 people fundraising with the aim of exceeding the €1.85 million raised last year.

Continued below…

“We are putting the final touches to everything down in Kerry for this fantastic event and look forward to welcoming the 11,000 fundraisers for what should be a magical weekend,” said Cathal Walshe, Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle PRO.

Hundreds of volunteers marshal, operate food stops and provide medical and technical support. The scale of the cycle is ever increasing, meaning that this year there will be:

• 23,000 sandwiches ordered

• 10,000 plus litres of water

• 35,000 bananas

• 30,000 slices of buttered brack

•30,000 Nature Valley cereal bars

•2,000 volunteers

•1,000 replacement bicycle tubes

•32 counties represented

• Fundraisers coming from 20 countries around the world

The event begins on Friday, July 1, with a pre-cycle Expo. This will serve to start the excitement as people begin registering from 2pm.

The first of the participants will take to the roads at 6am on Saturday morning to begin the 180km journey. On return to Killarney, a post cycle party will be in full swing for everyone to enjoy. It’ll be some day.

REGISTRATION for The Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle 2016 will open next Friday, December 11 and will be done by way of a lottery for the first time.

For the first time in its 31 year history registration will be done by way of lottery as last year there was an unprecedented demand for one of the 11,500 places and this saw many regular supporters  left disappointed.

Taking this on board the committee members decided that the fairest system, in order to allow everyone a chance of entry, has shown to be a lottery.

Continued below…

The 2015 event was one of the most memorable cycles so far, raising over €1.85 million, and in 31 years The Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle has raised over €10 million for charities in Kerry.

Cathal Walshe, Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle PRO, explained how it will work: “We are very excited to get started on our event for 2016 and will open the pre-registration for the lottery on Friday,  December 11, it will remain open for six weeks. There will be no need to rush, the final selection is not based on how early you register; in line with any lottery, all selections will be random.

Continued below…

“This year two entries are permitted per person to allow training buddies and friends register together. There will be a fee of €10 per person to register for the lottery, this fee is non-refundable and all proceeds will go to the cycle’s charities. If you are successful this fee will be deducted from your minimum charitable donation, which is the same as last year at €85.”

With the date of registration and new format now confirmed, Cathal continued: “Pre-registration will remain open until midnight on Sunday, 31st January 2016. Then on Monday, 15th February 2016, the Lottery winners will be emailed to inform them that they have been successful along with final instructions on how to confirm their place. On Sunday 20th February, 2016, those who have not accepted will see their place reallocated.”

THE annual Ring of Kerry charity cycle has raised an incredible €1,890,820 for the various charities.

This is up €250,000 from last year’s figure.

“A huge thank you to all the cyclists, volunteers and sponsors for making the ROK Charity Cycle such a huge success,” read a message on the Ring of Kerry Cycle’s Facebook page.

The figure was revealed at a gala reception in the Gleneagle Hotel on Friday night where over 500 people attended.

Over 11,000 people took part in the July 4 event with the nine main organisations benefitting; Valentia Community Hospital; St Joseph’s Home, Killorglin; Enable Ireland Kerry Services, Tralee; Social Action Group, Rathmore; Console; Down Syndrome Kerry; Kerry Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre; St Francis Special School and St John of God Kerry Services and the Kerry Hospice.

Another fantastic year @RingOKerryCycle raising a staggering €1,890,820 for the charities involved – well done all! pic.twitter.com/aNNWqv2Wqk

— Jimmy Deenihan TD (@JimmyDeenihanTD) October 3, 2015