Picture: Sally MacMonagle
THE young man who has won a special place in everybody’s heart over the past 12 months was one of the main beneficiaries of this year’s Ring of Kerry charity cycle.
17-year-old Ian O’Connell has displayed remarkable resilience since he was paralysed from the shoulders down in a cycling accident in Killarney National Park in August of last year.
As he continues his rehabilitation, which will be difficult, prolonged and expensive, Ian was chosen as one of the beneficiaries of this year’s big fundraiser and a trust fund set up in his name will receive a share of the €1,265,375 million raised by participants.
Ian appeared on the Late Late Show in May and he inspired the nation with his life motto “If I can’t stand up I’ll stand out”.
The July event saw over 7,000 people from Ireland and abroad arrive in Kerry to complete the 180km cycle challenge around the 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 organisations. There were also 20 local community groups that benefited from the event through donations of €2,000 in recognition of their involvement in supporting, organising and volunteering for the charity cycle.
Event PRO, Cathal Walshe, remarked: “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”.
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