Twice around Ireland and they didn’t leave the swimming pool!
WHAT a difference a day makes.
For the 91 organisers and participants who took part in the 24 hour Hydrobike Challenge in Ballybunion Leisure Centre on last Saturday and Sunday, it was a very long day indeed.
Organised by Kieran Kennelly as a fundraiser for the Nano Nagle School in Listowel and Kerry Parents and Friends, there were five hydrobikes set up in the water on the day and each bike had someone cycling it for at least an hour - or more if they felt so inclined - over the 24 hour challenge.
“It went very good now, it was an excellent event,” Kieran said afterwards.
“We had someone on at least one of the five bikes throughout the full 24-hours and we had over 90 people who helped out on the day, so I think one or two of them might have had to do an extra hour or two. It was brilliant,” he continued.
“The two groups chosen are two very worthy causes. I know that the Kerry Parents and Friends groups are looking to buy another new bus, so hopefully we are able to help out with that in some small way.
“It was definitely a tough day, I was here from 5.30am on Friday until 7am on Saturday,” he laughed, adding: “So I had to do a normal day of work before I’d even started cycling”.
While Kieran and his group have not yet had a chance to tally up the final amount raised for the two charities, the event organiser says he is hopeful that they have reached their target of €10,000.
“We’ve already been asked if we’ll be doing it again next year and I think that’s something we’ll think about for sure but, for now, I think we need to give our legs and our minds just a little bit of rest,” he finished.