TOUR OF SLIABH LUACHRA DRAWS RECORD PELOTON
PEDAL power enthusiasts from either side of the county bounds hit the testing roads for the third staging of the Sliabh Luachra Cycle Classic last weekend.
Upwards of 460 participants descended on Rathmore ahead of taking in a scenic routes of Duhallow and East Kerry.
The event is hosted in memory of the late Paud O’Leary and Willie Reen with proceeds supporting Millstreet Community Hospital.
Sliabh Luachra CC Hannah O’Connor related many months of organising was completed by perfect weather conditions that involved a circuit from Rathmore, Millstreet, Rathcoole, Boherbue, Knocknagree, Ballydesmond, Cordal, Castleisland, Scartaglen and returning to Rathmore.
“We were delighted to welcome cyclists from all parts of the South West to support the venture and sample the terrain either side of the Cork and Kerry border. Many of the cyclists used the Sliabh Luachra Tour as concluding preparation for the Ring of Kerry this Saturday”, she said.
Sliabh Luachra Cycling was established in 2012 by Padraig Keane from Gneeveguilla and Donie Kelleher of Rathmore.
“From the Cork side of the border, we’ve many members drawn from Millstreet, Cullen, Knocknagree, Ballydesmond, Rockchapel, Newmarket and Dromtariffe. New members are always welcome and we begin the cycles from various outlets to accommodate our members”, said Hannah from Millstreet.
Members helped steward the classic route that entailed distances over 55/85/110km.
“Thanks go to the marshals, volunteers, Gardai, Red Cross, support cars, motorcycles, sponsors and food stations who ensured the event went according to plan”, said Hannah.
According to Hannah, most of the participants in Sunday’s event opted for the longer route, which took them on a testing trek to Millstreet, Boherbue, Kiskeam, Ballydesmond, Scart, Kilcummin, Gneevguilla and back to Rathmore.
“It was a great day and the feedback was very positive and the weather played a big part in that,” Hanna said afterwards.
The huge attendance on Sunday showed that the future of the event is in safe hands, which will come as great news for club officials.