SOME are home and hosed already and the majority are slowly but surely getting there as the home stretch opens up in this year’s Ring of of Kerry cycle.
Those that view the event more as a race or an opportunity to earn bragging rights than a charity fundraiser set off well before the official 6.00am starting time to ensure they were in with a shot of being among the first to cross the finish line.
But the vast majority of the estimated 11,000 cyclists that took part made a day of it, stopped for leisurely refreshments along the route and enjoying a chat and a laugh with their fellow competitors happy to be able to support worthy causes in the process.
Surprisingly, on the eve of the big event, one of the 10 main charities to benefit issued a rallying cry for cyclists and indicated that not all available places had been snapped up which was in sharp contrast to previous years when people couldn’t beg, borrow or steal as place in the cycle.
Last year’s event was one of the most memorable cycles so far, raising over €1.85 million for charity, bringing the total amount generated down through the years to €10 million.
The main beneficiaries this year are the South West Counselling Centre, Killarney; Talbot Grove, Castleisland; St Joseph’s Nursing Home, Killorglin; St Ita and St Joseph’s School, Tralee; St Francis Special School, Beaufort; Recovery Haven Kerry, Pieta House Kerry branch, Irish Kidney Association Kerry branch, Derrynane Inshore Rescue and Aras Mhuire Nursing Home, Listowel.
* Pictures: Valerie O’Sullivan. Click on individual images to enlarge and for information
KillarneyToday.com
