Cycle Mania! Radio Kerry Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle 2010

Cycle Mania! Radio Kerry Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle 2010

05 July 2010

It was the perfect day for cycling, on Saturday 3rd July, when over 5,000 cyclists from every county in Ireland, travelled to Killarney with one common goal, to raise as much money as possible for the Radio Kerry Ring of Kerry Cycle.  The sun shone as the weather behaved itself for record breaking number of cyclists with many thousands more lining the route to encourage the participants during the 112 mile leisure cycle around the picturesque and challenging Ring of Kerry route.

The sunny start  and fine weather kept everyone's spirits high as they peddled  to raise vital funds for 6 Kerry charities: - Kerry Parents and Friends Association, Kerry Stars Special Olympics Club, Recovery Haven - Comfort & Care for Cancer, Enable Ireland Kerry, Irish Wheelchair Association - Killarney/South Kerry Branch and Kerry Rape & Sexual Abuse Centre.

Behind the scenes over 250 volunteers manned the various aid stations along the route, including 12 Medical Crews, 7 Bike Repair Teams, dozens of water stations distributing over 1,000 gallons of water - not to mention the 10,000 bananas, 8,000 bars of chocolate, 7,800 sandwiches and over 900 barn bracks!!!!

Registration commenced at 5am, with the bulk of the cyclists having departed by 8am.  In Caherciveen, the first major resting point at Colaiste na Sceilge, volunteers from the various charities fed and watered the passing cyclists.

Cathal Walshe PRO for the Radio Kerry Ring of Kerry Cycle was delighted by the numbers participating this year "We knew that there was going to be a strong turnout, based on the numbers preregistering.  I think the fine weather over the past few months had a lot to do with it as it meant that people were able to get out in the evenings to train much more than usual.  But in the 27 years that we are doing this, we find that when times are tough people work even harder to give to the less fortunate."

At Caherciveen, Title Sponsors Radio Kerry were broadcasting live with Francis Jones who interviewed many of the participating cyclists, well wishers and volunteers, including August Wilson, originally from Australia but now living in Cork.  "Today I have seen Irish hospitality at its very best with so many well wishers encouraging us on along the way and with the amazing views, it really is the best way to experience the Ring of Kerry."  August spoke to Francis live on Radio Kerry and gave a special shout out to her family back in Australia who were listening in live via the web. 

Also present in Caherciveen was Veronica Hunt, who is representing Kerry in this year's Rose of Tralee final in August.  Veronica is originally from Cork and is a teacher in Mounthawk Secondary School in Tralee.  She said "I'm having the most amazing day and delighted to be here to experience the atmosphere.  I can't get over the level of organisation and attention to detail, between the mountains of sandwiches for everyone, the massage therapists on duty - even a band to entertain - everything has been thought of."

Melanie O'Sullivan stated "It was a special day and once again we were delighted to play such a big part in raising phenomenal amounts of funds for Kerry Charities.  Our thanks to everyone who participated - the cyclists as well as the many volunteers and well wishers along the route." The cyclists, ranging from 18 years to 68 years of age, completed the Ring through Sneem, Kenmare and finally through Molls Gap, with the main body of cyclists returning to Killarney town at 5.30pm to complete a lap of the town.  Greeting them on their return was Tim O'Brien, Chairman of the Organising Committee "I would like to thank the Committee who have been working so hard all year for this one day.  Seeing such a successful event, and everyone arriving back to Killarney safe and sound, makes it so worthwhile and the best thing of all is that the funds are going to make a real difference to so many Kerry Charities."

Radio Kerry Ring of Kerry Cycle Certificates were presented to all the participants once they returned and celebrations carried on at Scotts Hotel on Scotts Street into the night.

For anyone who would like to donate to the Cycle and to the six Kerry Charities,  postal donations can be sent to The Radio Kerry Ring of Kerry Cycle, PO Box 115, Killarney Post Office, New Street, Killarney.  Enquiries can also be made by phone to (064) 6671900.  Further information on the Radio Kerry Ring of Kerry Cycle can be found on www.ringofkerrycycle.ie