54321challengersdonatetocharity

THE power of solidarity and personal endurance never ceases in its ability to do right by some of the most important organisations in the county.

And the personnel behind the 54321 Challenge is a case in point where good things come in ‘fives’. This year’s challenge included five separate events over four days - all for the good of three different charities.

Skellig Stars, Kerry Hospice and Dingle Cliff & Rescue were the recipients of the 2019 event, which enjoyed its seventh year.

An impressive sum of €72,556 was raised, which will be divided between the three charities. “We’re delighted to be able to do our bit for so many wonderful organisations and charities,” said TJ O’Connor of 54321 Challenge.

“The weekend in August is one of bonding, banter, singing, struggles, laughs but most of all a great sense of achievement in completing the challenge, both on a personal level and for the three great causes involved,” he added.

Day one of the challenge included a cycle around the Ring of Kerry. This would be reason enough for the most hardened of athletes to take a break. But Day two saw participants converge at the foot of Carrauntoohil for a climb.

Having returned safe and sound from this challenge, they once again took to the bicycles and cycled from Killarney to the foot of Mount Brandon and climbed it.

On the final day they cycled from Dingle back to Killarney where they recieved a hero’s welcome at the Gleneagle Hotel as the supporters of all three charities gathered to welcome them home.

On Saturday last the 37 participants gathered at The Victoria House Hotel in Valentia to present a cheque to selected charities. This brings the amount raised to date by the 54321 Challenge to €206,712 for various Kerry charities.

Maura O’Sullivan, Treasurer of Kerry Hospice said their organisation is overwhelmed and ‘very fortunate’ to be chosen as part of the 54321 Challenge. “The funds raised will go towards the day to day costs of running our 15 bed In-Patient Unit at University Hospital Kerry,” she said.

Thoughts have already turned to 2020 and the eighth staging of the 54321 Challenge. It’s a great opportunity to support local charities while also enjoying a challenge in the great outdoors.

The date is to be confirmed soon when teams will be recruited. Anyone wishing to take part can contact event organisers, Carole Moran (087 9471336) or TJ O’Connor (087 6277141).

(front) Photo by Michelel Cooper Galvin (back from left) RIGHT: 54321 Challenge participants enjoying the heights of Carrauntoohil. TJ O’Connor Organoising committee presenting 72,556.12 on behalf of 54321 Challenge to Mike Johnston Dingle Rescue, Maura O’Sullivan Kerry Hospice and Denis Daly Skellig Stars with Catherine Foley, Maura O’Sullivan Dennehy (seated from left) Tony Dunne Tres., Selina O’Connor, Anne McCarthy, Irene Heffernan Dermot Foley, Diarmuid Foley, Declan Sheehan, John O’Donoghue, Audrey Graham, John Falvey, Martin McCarthy, Michael Foley, Cian Hiuggins, Caroline Lynch, Pat Sullivan, Frank Heidthe, Karen Nicholson, Ann T Foley, Maggie McKenna Teahan and Rosie Johnson at the Victoris s House Hotel, Muckross Road, Killarney on Saturday.