‘The whole event brings tremendous satisfaction’ - Cathal Walsh

CATHAL Walsh tells me it all started in the gym one night many years ago when discussing the prospect of doing something challenging.

Chatting to one of the founders of the Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle – just over a week to go feels a bit like hanging out with the coolest kid in school. Now an international bestseller, the cycle managed to bait cyclists from 25 countries in 2016 representing the likes of Canada, Dubai, Scotland, Japan and Holland. The cycle is now a major event which speaks volumes for all concerned.

Cathal is the PRO of The Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle and his voice fills with a mixture of pride and excitement as he talks about ‘counting down the days’. And why wouldn’t it? Not even Nostradamus himself, nor indeed ‘Paul the Octopus’ have predicted in July 1983 as 45 cyclists went for a spin that three decades later close on 9,000 bikes would all take the same route for one day in July. Moreover, the five man committee netted £10,000 in 1983 for the Kidney Unit at St Catherine’s Hospital in Tralee. Fast-forward to today and the total figure raised for Kerry charities is €10.2 million.

Few gym workouts produce results this good. “Yes, that’s where it all started, in the town gym one night during a discussion about doing something challenging. Someone suggested cycling the Ring of Kerry and doing it for a purpose. At the time the Kidney Unit in Tralee was in need of funds. From that day forward it began as a charity cycle and that’s what sets our event apart,” Cathal explained.

Cathal said ‘word of mouth’ is how the cycle spiralled during the early years; a tried and trusted concept in the days before social media insisted on making everything ‘viral’. The ‘Famous Five’ who started it are Denis Geaney, who served 25 years as Chairman, Paddy O’Donoghue, Dan McCarthy, John Sheppard and Cathal Walsh. In fact, all five are now immortalised in a tribute song written by Derry Healy.

“That’s right. Derry wrote the song and I suppose it shows how a few ordinary guys in a community can put their heads together to create something good. Someone suggested at the time we climb Carrantuohill, but this, we felt, was already done so a cycle it was. We’re glad that decision has stood the test of time.”

Cathal, a native of Galway, is immensely proud of the cycle’s contribution to Kerry charities and he cites the €250,000 received by the hospice in Tralee, over two years, to help build a new unit as important, while Valentia Hospital increased its capacity to 24 beds, from 16, meaning more elderly people can stay in their own community.

“This is an example of the goodwill shown to local charities at a time when they most need it. That’s what the cycle is about. You get around there safe and sound and raise as much money as you can for charities. This was the aim from day one and remains the same today,” Cathal added.

With 8,500 and 9,000 cyclists currently gearing themselves for the July 1 spin, it goes without saying health and safety is a top priority. Add in the fact 20 ambulances will dot the route, 1,200 volunteers will help as marshals, a puncture repair team, food catering stations at Cahersiveen, Kenmare and Killarney. It’s no wonder the cut off point for entry is 10,000. Not alone are the logistics involved vastly different from 1983, but even from five years ago, such is its rate of popularity.

Cathal concluded: “The whole event brings tremendous satisfaction as it’s all down to volunteerism. I get completely carried away with it and it blows my mind to see so many people involved. These backup crews are vital and the event just wouldn’t happen without them. I’m proud of the way this event helps so many worthy charities.”