Radio Kerry Ring of Kerry Cycle 2009. A bright new future for fundraising in Kerry

19 January 2009

New and exciting plans were unveiled last week for the Radio Kerry Ring of Kerry Cycle, which will take place this year on Saturday 4th July. The event, now in its 26th year, is the biggest one day charity fundraising event in Munster, attracting thousands of leisure cyclists who will experience a fun and rewarding day's cycling, completing 112 miles of the spectacular Ring of Kerry, while at the same time fundraising for worthy Kerry based Charities.   To date the Ring of Kerry Cycle has raised over €3 million for Kerry Charities and to support this massive fundraising initiative the Radio Kerry Community Fund, a fund that was set up by Radio Kerry to raise money for Kerry Community and Charity projects, has come on board as event sponsor.

Speaking at the launch Sales & Marketing Manager of Radio Kerry, Melanie O'Sullivan stated "This sponsorship ties in extremely well with our own fundraising projects, run through the Radio Kerry Community Fund, which was established to give back to worthy causes around the county.  In these times that are challenging for everyone, it is more important than ever to consider the less fortunate and Radio Kerry is delighted to be joining forces with a well renowned and established project that raises so much revenue and profile for Kerry Charities."

 As well as the sponsorship announcement, a new Organising Committee was revealed, who will take over the reins from a team who have worked together diligently for the last 26 years, under the Chairmanship of Denis Geaney and included Paddy O'Donoghue and John Sheppard.  Dan McCarthy is remaining on the Committee as Services Manager and will be joined by Tim O'Brien - Chairman; Karena McCarthy - Secretary; Brendan Coffey & Padraig Treacy - Joint Treasurers; Cathal Walshe - PRO, who was also PRO of the previous committee and Melanie O'Sullivan - Radio Kerry Representative. 

On behalf of the new team Cathal Walshe stated "Thanks to the dedication of the original committee, The Ring of Kerry Cycle is well established in the hearts, minds and calendars of Kerry people the length and breadth of the country as well as the UK.  Together with the sponsorship and the new team we wish to build on the tremendous success of the original committee.  Also with Radio Kerry's kind sponsorship, it will ensure that all monies collected by the cyclists will go directly to the nominated Charities."

Today a call is going out to Kerry Charities who are interested in applying to be a recipient for 2009.  Any interested Charities can apply in writing to The Radio Kerry Ring of Kerry Cycle, PO Box 115, Killarney Post Office, New Street, Killarney. The closing date for submissions is January 31st 2009.

For the thousands of people interested in participating in the actual cycle, registration forms will be available on line on the new website www.ringofkerrycycle.ie.  Postal Applications can be sent to the above address or enquiries can be made by phone to (064) 6671900.