47 local groups share €1.7m bonanza from Ring of Kerry Cycle

47 KERRY ORGANISATIONS BOOSTED BY €1.7 MILLION FROM THIS YEAR’S CYCLE

OVER 500 people made the INEC, Killarney the focus of their attention last Friday evening as the Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle held its annual presentation ceremony, overseeing the distribution of over €1.7m between 47 different charities throughout Kerry.

The monster total was raised during a hugely successful cycle around the Ring of Kerry in July when over 11,000 fundraisers took to the roads in what is arguably one of the county’s greatest success stories as it continues to assist local charities and community based projects in their work.

Emcee for the evening was Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle PRO Cathal Walsh and he expressed his delight at staging yet another special event with so many happy charity organisations in attendance.

“We’re immensely pleased with how this year’s cycle went and the huge sum of money raised. It’s been a difficult year for charities and we managed to uphold our high standards,” Cathal said.

Although this year’s figure is slightly down on the 2015 figure of €1.89 million, this is partly due to a tightening of safety procedures, which led to a reduction in numbers participating. The upward curve in registration needed to be curbed for safety reasons which, according to Cathal, has made the cycle more comfortable.

A set registration fee of €170 also caused controversy earlier this year with many cyclists saying it was unfair to set such a large a sum as a prerequisite.

“We did limit numbers for safety reasons, that’s primarily the reason why the figure is slightly down on last year. However, people did comment on how comfortable the cycle was and this is important,” added Cathal.

“The set registration fee did cause controversy at the time but, looking at the final figure, it didn’t take from it. All the charities are delighted with it and that’s the main thing. All monies raised stay in the county and The Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle continues to be a hugely positive and successful story.”

In total, 47 charities will now receive a much deserved boost to their coffers. Ten charities were nominated as the main beneficiaries, three second tier charities will get €10,000 each, and 34 additional charities will each receive €2,000.

The Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle has so far raised over €10 million for charities in Kerry since its inception.

The Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle has raised almost €12 million for charities in Kerry since its inception.

John Rice, vice-chairman, ROK presenting the proceeds of the ROK jerseys to Catherine Foley, IHCPT. LEFT: Karena McCarthy, secretary, ROK presenting to Eileen O’Shea, Gerard O’Sullivan and Maura Long, with Tim O’Brien, chairman and John Rice,...

Photos: Michelle Cooper Galvin The Kerryman Editor Kevin Hughes (left), media sponsors with Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle Chairman Tim O’Brien and Secretary Karena McCarthy at the charity cycle dinner and presentation in the INEC, Gleneagle, Killarney on Friday.

RIGHT: Cathal Walshe, ROK presenting the cheque to Marian Barnes, Eileen Comerford, Siobhan McSweeney, Dermot Crowley, Tina Cunningham and Kenneth Reynolds of Recovery Haven with Tim O’Brien, chairman, Karena McCarthy, secretary, Padraig Treacy, John...

Tim O’Brien, chairman presenting the cheque to Sr Helena of St Joseph’s Home in Killorglin with Karena McCarthy, secretary and John Rice, vice chairman, ROK.

LEFT: John Rice presenting the cheque to Derrynane Inshore Rescue at the Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle dinner and presentation night. RIGHT: Cathal Walshe of ROK presenting the cheque to St Francis’ Special School with Tim O’Brien, chairman and John...