Ring of Kerry ready to go again in 2018!
CELEBRATIONS FOR €1.5M IN FUNDS RAISED IN ‘17 – BUT MORE TO COME IN 2018 CYCLE
THE past and present were given equal treatment at the INEC Killarney on Friday night as those behind the Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle presented cheques to beneficiaries of the 2017 cycle and looked ahead to the 2018, the 35th in the illustrious cycle’s history.
The Killarney venue hosted a dinner and drinks reception to honour the charities and volunteers central to Munster’s biggest one-day fundraising event. Cycle PRO Cathal Walshe said Friday night’s function was a huge success and a most fitting end to what has been another terrific year for the cycle.
“We had 9.150 cyclists this year, and in the process we raised €1.5million for 48 charities -- not just the 10 main beneficiaries,” he said.
“There were around 500 people in the INEC on Friday and it was a tremendous occasion. The spirit was good because each of the charities was delighted with the funds they received from this famous fund-raising leisure cycle.
“It was also about looking ahead to July 7, 2018, when we will set off on our 35th ‘Ring of Kerry’. Cyclists can register from March 10, 2018, and we’ll be looking for charities to apply to be a part of Ring of Kerry 2018!”
Mr Walsh was also able to provide an outline of the services enabled by the 2017 cycle. Camphill Community Dingle will expand its day programme, supporting people with disabilities in the wider Kerry region that may not have access to a day service currently, while Derrynane Inshore Rescue will complete phase two of their total refurbishment plan to modernise the unit.
Down Syndrome Kerry will sustain and preserve its vital services, and Kerry Parents and Friends Association will add three new vehicles to its fleet as part of its Buy a Bus campaign.
Kerry Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre outlined that it will sustain and extend its counselling services, while Talbot Grove will upgrade facilities in Castleisland. Recovery Haven Kerry will continue to provide support services, counselling and therapies; Social Action Group Rathmore will continue to work on the development of the Rathmore Presentation Convent, and Valentia Island Hospital will carry on in providing long stay residential care, respite care and day care services for the elderly.
Temple Street Foundation was the first national charity to be chosen as a main beneficiary, and thanks to the cycle’s help, it can purchase live-saving equipment for Temple Street Children’s University Hospital wards, theatres and Intensive Care Unit.
“We were delighted with the huge support people have given once again this year which has resulted in significant donations made to very worthy causes,” Mr Walshe said of the 2017 cycle’s success.
“This event would not be possible though without the ongoing hard work and support from our team of organisers, charities and 1400 volunteers. A huge thank-you to the cyclists who support us every year and to those who joined us for the first time in 2017. We hope to see them all back in 2018!”