Cycle organisers say thanks

FOR the past 21 years the Kells, Foilmore Community have been holding a cycle for the benefit of the Valentia Lifeboat. The cycle commences from Caitin’s Pub in Kells and continues through Foilmore, Cahirsiveen and via the Valentia Island Car Ferry to finish in The Royal Hotel.

This year’s event took place on Sunday, October 1. There was a worry previous to it that it might have to be cancelled due to weather conditions. However, though the day was quite windy, no rain came, and about 120 cyclists – a nice mixture of adults, children and teenagers

– took part.

All cyclists came together in Renard Point to be ferried by the Valentia Car Ferry to Knightstown accompanied by the Valentia Lifeboat under Coxswain Richard Quigley and crew. It made for spectacular viewing as the lifeboat sailed at the stern and side by side with the Ferry playing with it in Fungie style fashion.

All participants were greeted in the newly completed and elegant Function Room of the Royal Hotel where they were treated to a quite impressive and varied array of refreshments, compliments of the Kells and Valentia communities.

The Valentia Lifeboat fraternity would like to sincerely thank all those cyclists who helped make it a memorable day. Thanks also to The Royal Hotel, Valentia Car Ferry crew, Valentia’s JJ O’Connor who transported the bikes, the stewards and the many caterers who distributed refreshments in The Royal. The RNLI would also like to sincerely thank the people of Kells who have organised this special event for the past 21 years. Long may it continue.

The lifeboat accompanying the ferry during the recent Kells - Valentia Cycle.