Over 100 cyclists saddle up for Pieta House

WONDERFUL dedication to the cause and a strong display of volunteerism was displayed at the Pieta 100 charity cycle which took off from Rathmore on Sunday.

The inaugural running of the event in the county – Pieta 100 cycles have previously taken place in other counties but this was the first to take place in Kerry – raised in the region of €5,500 for Pieta House.

The cycle got underway at 9am on Sunday morning and 150 enthusiasts gathered for the start at Rathmore GAA club ground where Kerry football stars, Paul Murphy and Aidan O’Mahony led the peloton out on the respective 50 and 100 kilometre routes.

Ahead of the event Pieta House CEO, Brian Higgins explained what the cycle was all about.

“Engaging with people and sitting alongside them on a journey that can take as long as it needs to for that person,” said Mr Higgins.

That ethos was certainly embodied by those in the saddle, one could say the event was enjoyed like life should be - as a journey rather than a race.

Event co-organiser Emma Cooper said she and her six fellow committee members were delighted with the success of this year’s event.

“We were thrilled, the support shown by the people of Rathmore and Gneevguilla was just phenomenal” she said.

Donations from members of the community and others further afield greatly helped to cover the majority of event costs.

Tea and sandwiches were also provided by good willed locals.

Emma said that the phenomenal level of level of support shown by the Rathmore community and all of those people who helped out all along the route will make it easier to hold the event again.

The organisers thanked everyone who took part and all who contributed to the tremendous success of the event.

All photos this page by Michelle Cooper Galvin Tim Murphy, Donie Kelleher, Cathal Bradley, Donal Daly, Richard O’Connor, Eoin Herlihy, Ben Murphy, Andrew Kelleher, Dan Murphy and Denis O’Connor of the Sliabh Luachra Cycling Club at the Pieta 100 cycle starting line in Rathmore.

Emma Cooper Rathmore, Paul Murphy and Aiden O’Mahony, John Crowley Mayor of Gneeveguilla and Marie Cronin Gneeveguilla at the start of the Kerry Pieta 100 Cycle in Rathmore on Sunday.

Liam Gowan and Marie Conway of Crotta Leisure Cycles were among the Pieta 100 cycle participants.

Sheila Morrissey, Kathy Cronin (Kilcummin) participants in the Kerry Pieta 100 Cycle with volunteer Tadhg Ryan.

Tracey O’Flaherty of Ardfert and Robert Stack of Abbeydorney relax ahead of the Pieta 100 cycle in Rathmore.

Celine O’Connor, Marie Murphy Gneeveguilla, Karen O’Sullivan Rathmore and Debra Daly Kilquane at the Pieta 100 cycle.

Niamh, Kathy and Linda O’Connor Knockanes all set for the off at the Pieta 100 Cycle in Rathmore on Sunday.

Declan Twomey of Rathmore prepares to set off.

Gavin Sheehan from Kenmare gets his bike ready