THE organisers of the Ring of Kerry charity cycle say close on 10,000 cyclists descended on the town for the weekend for the biggest one-day charity fundraising event in Ireland.
The main beneficiaries will be Derrynane Inshore Rescue Services, Kerry Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre,Talbot Grove, Recovery Haven, Social Action Group Rathmore, Kerry Parents and Friends Association, Down Syndrome Ireland, Camphill Community Dingle, Temple Street Foundation and Valentia Island Hospital.
Cyclists gathered in Killarney for the 7.00am official start at which Colm Cooper and 10-year old Temple Street Children’s Hospital patient Amy O’Connor, officiated.
The weather was dreadful but that didn’t deter the cyclists from completing the 180km Ring of Kerry route.
There were a number of accidents on the day and one participant was transferred to University Hospital Kerry after an incident at Derrycunnihy.
Olympic silver medal winner Sonia O’Sullivan flew in from Melbourne Australia to take part for the first time.
Event PRO Cathal Walshe remarked: “We were delighted with the positive messages of support we received this year”.
He added: “This event would not be possible without the ongoing hard work and support from our team of organisers, charities and 1,400 volunteers. The event continues to raise in excess of €1 million for a host of worthy causes”.
Pictures: Valerie O’Sullivan. Click on individual images for details
KillarneyToday.com: It’s the talk of the town. To advertise call 087-2229761
