THE three Killarney secondary school communities, St Brendan’s College, St Brigid’s Presentation and Killarney Community College, gave an enthusiastic welcome to 500 cyclists who pedalled their way to town as part of the terrific Cycle Against Suicide project.
Now in its second year, the fundraiser and awarness event is a positive initiative which is determined to spread the message that it is OK not to feel OK.
90 cyclists from the three schools – comprising students, teachers and parents – cycled from Coláiste Criost Rí in Cork to Killarney where they were welcomed with a civic reception by Killarney Town Council.
Acting Mayor, Michael Gleeson, told the gathering of the importance of positivity in young people’s lives and he congratulated all involved in the event.
Over 250 cyclists were accommodated in the town on the night and they were facilitated by local company MD O’Shea’s who transported all the bicycles to Cork as well as O’Callaghan Coaches and O’Donovan Coaches who provided free transport to all the students involved in the cycle.
The three schools involved have issued a big thank you to Cotter Catering for providing food for the arrival of the cyclists and the Parents’ Associations in the three schools for their support and assistance.
Organised by Ms Karen Rice, this show of support by parents and the local tourism community was a tremendous statement by all involved in the community.
The following morning, before the cycle convoy departed from Killarney, the secondary schools presented a video diary, an oral and visual presentation and a dance and singing performance which celebrated the importance of positive, mental health to senior students and the 500 cyclists who had gathered in the Killarney Sports and Leisure Centre.
Under the banner of “Do more of what makes you happy”, the students showcased the positive energy that is so important for living a healthy life.
Co-ordinated by Kerry Life Education’s Seamus Whitty, working with Karon McLysaght and Mish O’Donoghue from St Brendan’s College, Marie O’Riordan from Killarney Community College and Mairead McElligott and Margaret McGrath from St Brigid’s Secondary School, the event was a true teenage community response to promoting well-being.
