CYCLE FOR STEPHANIE
OVER 600 TAKE PART IN MEMORIAL CYCLE
By STEPHEN FERNANE
WHILE Sunday morning may have started out a tad grey and dull, once the hordes of cyclists started to converge on The Nagle Centre in Milltown shortly before 10am an overwhelming sense of togetherness and goodwill soon produced a mood of positivity as over 600 cyclists turned up to honour Milltown’s Stephanie O’Sullivan, who died tragically in 2011.
The memory of a loved one no longer with us is a powerful emotion and, as ever, it was a poignant occasion for Stephanie’s family who were absolutely thrilled and delighted with how the cycle progressed.
The annual memorial cycle incorporates two distances of 40km and 80km through the beautiful mid Kerry countryside and the proceeds raised from the cycle will now go towards the Tralee Samaritans and Killorglin Mental Health Association.
It’s an event that also looks after its cyclists and there was no shortage of refreshments and sustenance with the numbers of burgers, sausages, Mars bars, bananas numbering in the hundreds, while gallons of tea and coffee where also greatly welcomed by weary cyclists - all of which is provided by people intent on making the Stephanie O’Sullivan Memorial Cycle a worthwhile experience.
“The morning started damp but they all turned out and we had over 600 cyclists again this year. About 150 of them did the 80km route,” said Stephanie’s father, Dan Joe O’Sullivan.
He added: “This is the sixth year of the cycle and we’re very pleased at how it went. We’re also delighted with the news of a cycle in Stephanie’s memory that took place in New York recently.
“A cousin of my wife’s, Garry Courtney, has already held the cycle and he has donated the money from it. I also want to thank the stewards, volunteers and the Nagle Rice Centre for hosting us. We’ll be having the presentation on the June 16 in O’Shea’s Bar in Milltown and everyone is welcome. We’re already looking forward to next year’s cycle.”