The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
Valentia group in cycleforDromid man John O’Shea
ON Sunday March 18 a number of Valentia Island cyclists took part in the John O’Shea Memorial Cycle which commenced from the Dromid Community centre.
John’s death on May 27, 2016, came as a very sudden blow to not only his family and friends but also people in Dromid and the wider Iveragh area.
Very dedicated to his beloved Dromid Pearses football club,he served as the club’s secretary, PRO.,player, referee, quizmaster and trustee. He was also to the forefront in setting up the annual bazaar,which raised much funds down through the years for the club. He also served as the club’s Bord Na nÓg officer. His loss was immense to the area.
John was a keen cyclist for the past decade and was always a familiar figure at the annual Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle. A number of years ago he cycled from Kerry to Galway in order to raise funds for cancer. A mechanic by trade, he did his best to accommodate his many customers and neighbours in keeping them motoring and was also a member of the Iveragh Vintage Tractor club. John, for a number of years travelled to Lourdes for the period of a week at Easter with the children of the Irish Pilgrimage Trust Group 135.
The cycle to commemorate him first took place in 2017 raising over £6,200 for the children of the 135 group. All funds raised will also go to the trust.
Valentia Islanders who took part in the cycle on a bitterly cold March Sunday morning were this reporter; Pat and Seamus O’Connor; Noel Curran; and Seamus Lynch, and they were accompanied by Mike Greaney and Joe Thompson of Cahersiveen. It was bitterly cold as the Valentia group cycled from the Cahersiveen creamery in Ohermong on the way to registering in the Dromid Community Centre. A strong, easterly wind blew directly against us as we travelled eastwards to Dromid and soon snow flakes began to appear. The hot beverages of tea, coffee and a wide variety of refreshments in the Dromid centre were never as welcome or appreciated. Well done to all those who took part on the coldest day to date of the new year.