LOURDES CYCLE

Gearing up for annual trek to the south of France

IT’S an annual gathering that attracts thousands of deserving children and countless volunteers to Lourdes each Easter. Organised by the Irish Pilgrimage Trust, the week long pilgrimage continues to grow in strength, providing an enlightening experience for all.

While many volunteers travel to the southern France village by plane or train, some feel this is simply not enough and take to two wheels to raise funds in the process.

This year sees several helpers/fitness enthusiasts from Killarney and Killorglin take to their bicycles for a road trip which takes in the entire length of France.

Each cyclist is asked to raise a certain level of cash and in a bid to kick-start their fundraising activities, The Killarney No Name Club last weekend handed over a healthy cheque to IHCPT volunteers.

Meanwhile, a Family Fun Day Cycle organised by Killarney Cycling Club is to be held on Bank Holiday Monday, March 19. Starting at 10am from Dr Crokes’ clubhouse, sign-on time is 9am and there are three routes on offer: Killarney-Beaufort-killarney (25km), Killarney-Killorglin-killarney (50km) and Killarney-Killorglin-killarney (75km).

A full back up and first aid service will be provided while light refreshments will be available on return.

All budding cyclists are asked to participate in the worthwhile fundraiser. Contact James Looney on 087 2579794 or info@killarneyglass.com for further details.

RIGHT: Members of the Killarney No Name Club presenting a cheque to Killarney cyclists, James Looney and Brendan Coffey, in aid of IHCPT ahead of their cycle to Lourdes.

Photos by Michelle Cooper Galvin Joseph O'shea (centre), who held a table quiz in aid of the IHCPT, with fellow cyclists who will be taking part in the cycle to Lourdes this April, at Sol y Sombra, Killorglin, on Friday night. More photos in countywide: page 45.