Cycle to raise funds for young Fionn
FOR a number of Iveragh cyclists there was no better way to knock off the excesses and lethargy of the Christmas festivities than to participate in their first official cycling tour of 2017. Last Sunday week they cycled the roads of the barony for the purpose of fundraising for young Fionn Doyle of Kildorrery in Cork.
Fionn was diagnosed with a serious illness at the age of 18 months and managed to overcome it. Unfortunately, now aged five, and having started school last September, the illness has re-emerged.
He has close family connections in the Stague Fort area between Derrynane and Sneem.
The cycle, organised by Diarmuid O’Leary of the Glen, in association with the Mike Murphy Memorial Cycle Club and the South Kerry Cycling Group, comprised about 30 participants on an overcast day of intermittent misty showers, but relatively wind free and calm.
It commenced at the Cahirsiveen Marina to continue through Foilmore, Coars, Dromid, Ballinskelligs, Ardcost and Renard to return to the Marina in a journey of about 55kms. There was also a shorter option of about 40kms.
The cycle raised over €400 and was done to augment the fundraising activities, for the same cause, of the Mitchelstown based Galtee Wheelers Cycling club, whose cycle in North Cork raised €4,600.
The Caherciveen Marina accommodated everyone and Anne Reidy, together with Deirdre O’Leary, provided catering and vehicle support. The organisers of the Fionn Doyle fundraising efforts would like to sincerely thank the organisers and cyclists in Iveragh for giving of their time and generosity. Footnote: The annual cycle to commemorate the late Deirdre Corridon of Caherdaniel will commence in February. More details in the weeks ahead. Congratulations to South Kerry Cycle Group organiser Tony Curran of Valentia who was 56 on Tuesday, January 10.