Michelle Cooper-Galvin: still picturing the Ring of Kerry scene 34 years on
PHOTOGRAPHER with The Kerryman, Michelle Cooper Galvin, still remembers covering her first Ring of Kerry Cycle. It was a brave idea in a bid to raise money for a new kidney machine in St Catherine’s Hospital in Tralee and Michelle was approached by the committee and asked if she would help promote the idea.
Some 34 years later Michelle is still helping to promote what she calls the three main stages of the Ring of Kerry Cycle: the launch, the charities, the cycle.
“I’ll head to town around 6.30am on Saturday to cover the start and from there I will travel along Cahersiveen, Waterville and Kenmare taking shots of the different places and cyclists,” Michelle said.
Michelle at one point even introduced a ‘ Tour de France’ feel to the Ring of Kerry Cycle when travelling on her Vespa to take photos. Today, Michelle uses her car but still fondly recalls her memories of whizzing with cyclists when it was just a fledgling event.
“It was a small black Vespa and you felt more connected to some extent with the cycle. The changes have been vast in terms of the sheer numbers now taking part. I’ve also got to know a lot of people through it, especially the likes of Karena McCarthy, Tim O’Brien, Cathal Walsh and Denis Geaney, to name but a few, who have been instrumental in making the cycle what it is today.”
Michelle is looking forward to another FORMER Government Minister and Kerry footballer, Jimmy Deenihan will be joined by a host of hugely accomplished speakers for a corporate cycling forum in aid of Temple Street Children’s Hospital taking place this Friday, June 30, in The Europe hotel in Killarney.
The ‘Contribution of Cycling to a Healthier Workforce’ forum includes a host of high profile CEO’s, and Mr Deenihan has secured Irish Olympian Sonia O’Sullivan to speak at the event before she takes on the 180km cycle the following day.
The forum takes place between 3pm and 5pm and will address the benefits of encouraging cycling in the workplace. Experts will weigh in on how this can lead to a healthier lifestyle, personal wellbeing and development as well as relationship building within the work place along with networking and team building.
Tickets cost €50 with all proceeds going to Temple Street Children’s Hospital, one of the charities aligned with the Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle. Purchase in advance via: https://goo.gl/VeWAuS
Other speakers on the day will include Ollie Brogan MD of ESB International, Barney Whelan formerly of An Post, Joyce Farrell HR Manager of ESB International and Jim Breen CEO of Pulse Learning.
Mr Deehinan said he was delighted to be involved in the forum as now, more than ever, it is so important to look after ourselves both mentally and physically. “The Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle is the perfect event for our forum to coincide with as the biggest one day charity fundraising event in Ireland and we are thrilled that the money raised will go directly to one of the beneficiary charities of this year’s cycle,” he added.
Speaking ahead of the cycle Sonia O’Sullivan said: “I have been cycling regularly to prepare for the 180km cycle but can’t wait to appreciate the stunning scenery, especially as this is a cycle to enjoy and not a race.” Visit www.ringofkerrycycle.ie. Ring of Kerry cycle on Saturday and its volunteers rank highly in Michelle’s list when it comes to dishing out praise. Michelle has also been involved with some of the associated charities over the years, notably St Joseph’s Nursing Home.
“Through my work with The Kerryman there have been countless miles, hours and reams of paper covering the cycle over the last three decades and it can’t be stressed enough how important the volunteers and cyclists are as they really grasp the concept of what the cycle is all about. It’s not a race and this is why it has succeeded – it’s a charity event.”