The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
Mist, miles and Mars bars as thousands embrace Ring of Kerry
CROKES star forward Colm Cooper and 10 year old Amy O’Connor (who is Dr Crokes’ biggest fan) got the ball rolling bright and early on Saturday morning when they raised the green and gold flag for the 34th annual Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle. Everything was in place from first light as thousands of cyclists were determined to ensure many months of training and acute preparation would be put to good use in what were difficult conditions for cycling.
The weather didn’t play its part (no surprise there!), but this didn’t deter the 10,000 cyclists from transforming Killarney and the Iveragh Peninsula into a cycling haven. It’s well documented at this stage just how much the cycle contributes to local charities, but it still takes a huge individual effort to take on the undulations of the Ring of Kerry for 180km.
Some well-known names like former Taoiseach Enda Kenny, Galway GAA star and philanthropist Alan Kerins, and World Champion and Olympian, Sonia O’Sullivan also pitched in to show their support.
Cathal Walshe is PRO of the Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle, and one of the event’s founding members back in 1983. He admits to being totally captivated by the cycle this time every year, which is no surprise given he has watched it grow from its inaugural spin - containing just 45 cyclists compared to Saturday’s 10,000 capacity. That’s some evolution by any stretch of the imagination.
Cathal expressed his delight with the countless messages of support received since Saturday’s showpiece which makes organising what is a mammoth event feel that bit more rewarding.
“This event would not be possible without the ongoing hard work and support from our team of organisers, charities and 1400 volunteers. The event continues to raise in excess of €1million for a host of worthy causes. To the cyclists who support us every year, and those who joined us for the first time this year, we hope to see in you all 2018,” Cathal added.
There was also a poignant moment at the start of the day when a minute’s silence was observed in memory of the late Annette Mannix from Killarney who was tragically killed in a cycling accident near Lewis Road Junction back in May. Annette had been preparing for her first Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle.
The sense of camaraderie the cycle engenders is also worthy of mention. Volunteers, food stations, medics, and puncture repair teams are merely a glance away when it comes to assisting cyclists. Moreover, the old Irish saying ‘may the wind be always at your back’ is a metaphor that must have been invented with the Ring of Kerry cycle in mind for the people of the peninsula were not found wanting when it came to lightening the load for cyclists.
Few doors remained closed in homesteads in places like Waterville, Sneem, Cahersiveen and Kenmare on the day as residents helped replenish cyclists and send them on their way again; a gesture that helps minimise what is a very difficult excursion. The Ring of Kerry Cycle is all about unsung heroes of which the residents of the region are a prime example. Here’s to 2018.