The O’Sullivan family promoting the upcoming ‘Pedal for Grace’ fundraiser.THE community of Firies is getting ready to come together once again for Pedal for Grace, the hugely popular annual fundraising event held in honour of local girl Grace O’Sullivan, which returns for its fifth year on Saturday, September 5.
What began as a family-led fundraiser has grown into a much-loved event on the Kerry community calendar, with almost €90,000 raised for Vision Ireland over the past four years.
The O’Sullivan family established Pedal for Grace in honour of Grace, who lives with Stargardt disease, a rare inherited eye condition that causes progressive vision loss.
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Despite living with sight loss, Grace continues to inspire those around her through her determination and achievements.
An accomplished Irish dancer, she has competed at All-Ireland level and has even earned a medal at the World Championships.
Now in its fifth year, the event is once again inviting cyclists, walkers, families, friends and supporters from Firies and beyond to come together for a day of fundraising, community and fun.
Every euro raised through Pedal for Grace helps Vision Ireland provide vital services and supports to people living with sight loss throughout Ireland.
“Pedal for Grace has grown into something very special for our family and for the whole community,” said Grace’s family. “We are incredibly grateful for the support we have received over the years. We hope to see lots of familiar faces again this year, but we would also love to welcome people who have never taken part before. It is a great day for everyone, and every person who comes along helps us make a difference.”
Participants can choose from three enjoyable events on the day, catering for different ages and fitness levels. Keen cyclists can take on the 60km cycle, which starts at 9:30am and costs €30 to enter, while those looking for a shorter route can join the 14km cycle at 10:30 am for €10.
For anyone who prefers a more relaxed pace, the scenic 5km Molahiffe Walk begins at 11:00am, with a €10 entry fee.
Registration opens from 8:00am at Firies Community Centre, Church Road, Firies, Co. Kerry (V93 FF8X), giving participants plenty of time to sign in before their chosen event gets underway.
Tandems are very welcome, making Pedal for Grace an inclusive event where people of different abilities can take part together.
The day will continue after the cycles and walk at Henderson’s Bar, Ballinivarrig, Firies, with a BBQ, spot prizes, live music from Mike Kerins, DJ Jonathan Keane and MC Alan Finn.
Whether taking on the 60km challenge, enjoying the 14km cycle, joining the 5km walk or simply coming along to support the O’Sullivan family, everyone is invited to be part of this special community event.
With the fundraiser having already raised almost €90,000 for Vision Ireland, this year’s Pedal for Grace promises to be another important milestone.
A Vision Ireland spokesperson said: “Pedal for Grace is a wonderful example of the difference that can be made when a family and an entire community come together behind a cause that is close to their hearts. To have raised almost €90,000 for Vision Ireland over the past four years is an incredible achievement, and we are so grateful to Grace, her family and everyone who has supported the event. We hope this fifth year will be the biggest yet, and we would encourage people of all ages and abilities to come along, get involved and enjoy what promises to be a fantastic day in Firies. Every euro raised will help us continue providing vital services and supports to people living with sight loss across Ireland.”
