Sliabh Luachra classic hits Duhallow
Trails
LAST Sunday’s brilliant weather served to add to the success of the Sliabh Luachra Cycling Club’s sixth annual classic.
Covering distance of 55km, 85km and 110km, proceeds from this years event will go towrds supporting the flourishing Sliabh Luachra Juvenile Club.
The classic, hosted for the first time in 2013, is in memory of Paud O’Leary and Willie Reen, with participation seen as the ideal preparation for cyclists taking part in the Ring of Kerry Charity cycle this coming weekend.
In Fact, for many participants, it concluded their strict training regimes ahead of the big event.
The Sliabh Luachra cycle covered much of the greater Duhallow Region, with the 110km schedule taking in Millstreet, Mushera, Kilcorney, Rathcoole and Clonbanin before returning to Rathmore.
The club’s juvinile officer, Tim Murphy, expressed his delight at the strong turnout for this years cycle.
“From the Cork side of the border, we had members drawn from Millstreet, Cullen, Knocknagree, Ballydesmond, Rockchapel, Newmarket and Dromtariffe,” he said.
“New members are always welcome and we begin the cycles from various outlets to accommodate everyone,” said the Knocknagree man.
Meanwhile, other members helped steward the classic route that saw participants cover a wide catchment area on either side of the county bounds.
“Thanks go to the marshals, volunteers, Gardaí, Red Cross, support cars, motorcycles, sponsors and food stations who ensured the event went according to plan”, said Tim.
AMong the many Sliabh Luachra participants set to tackle the Ring of Kerry this Saturday will be Freemount’s D D Nagle.
“This will be my 23rd year involved and the Sliabh Luachra classic is the ideal preparation. I’m looking forward to it and I’m cycling in support of Brú Columbanus, the ‘ home from home’ for relatives of seriously ill patients”, he said.