Pictures: Don MacMonagle
As charity fundraisers go, they don’t come much bigger, better or more consistent that the annual Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle.
And this year’s event was no exception with an astonishing €1,165,625 raised for the chosen beneficiaries.
The cheque presentation event took place in the Killarney Brewing and Distilling Company in Fossa and, in all, 35 charities and community groups benefited from this year’s event staged on July 6.
The tier-one charities were Breakthrough Cancer Research, Bru Columbanus, Comfort for Chemo Kerry, Focus Ireland, Irish Cancer Society, St Francis Special School, Autism Assistance Dogs, Barnados, Irish Kidney Association, Kerry Stars Special Olympics Club, National Breast Cancer Research Institute, Recovery Haven Kerry Cancer Support House and Southwest Counselling Services.
“We had a fantastic night just as we have a fantastic day for the cycle itself,” said event PRO Cathal Walshe who himself has cycled the event no less than 19 times.
In the 40 years since the cycle was initiated, in excess of €20 million has been raised for great causes and this year’s tally was more than €100,000 up on 2023.
4,000 cyclists took part in the 180km cycle in July and, after a brief rest for the organiters, the 2025 cycle will be officially launched on Friday, November 16 when charities will be invited to apply to be included as beneficiaries on July 5 next.
Visit the Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle website to download application forms.
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