Tour of Glens puts it up to the Tour de France

THE second annual Tour of the Glens Cycle set off on Saturday morning from The Red Fox Inn in Glenbeigh. It’s an event organised by the Kelliher family from Caragh Lake, along with neighbours and friends, in aid of Marymount Hospice and the Kerry branch of the Irish Kidney Association.

Over 160 cyclists had a choice of two spectacular routes – 30km and 70km – through Caragh Lake, Killorglin, Tullig, Cromane, Glencar and Beaufort. Last year’s cycle raised €8,200 for Brú Columbanus, and the target this year is €5,000, which the organisers are hopeful of reaching once all proceeds have been counted.

“It was a great day, and it was lovely to see the cyclists enjoying a spin for such a worthy cause,” said cycle organiser Stephen Kelliher.

“We also had some well-earned music and refreshments later that evening in the Red Fox. I want to thank all the cyclists who took part, and the stewards who helped us organise the event.”

The family chose the Kerry branch of the Irish Kidney Association as it is a wonderful organisation that works extremely hard helping and supporting individuals and their families suffering with Kidney failure. It also promotes awareness of organ donation. They are currently working on raising money to complete the purchase of a new respite centre in Killarney.

Photo by Michelle Cooper Galvin Cycle organisers Helena and Leeann Kelliher with Debbie Templeton and Therese Looney of IKA Kerry; Johnny Mulvihill, Red Fox; and Timmy and Angela Kelliher at the start of the cycle in aid of Irish Kidney Association and Marymount at The Red Fox on...

The Kerryman editor Kevin Hughes signing in with Caroline Kelliher and Celine O’Connor, IKA, at the start of the Cycle in aid of Irish Kidney Association and Marymount Hospice at the Red Fox on Saturday.

Photos by Michelle Cooper Galvin Tim Clifford, Larry Daly and Johnny Mulvihill

Irene Heffernan and Maureen O’Sullivan Dennehy at the start of the Cycle in aid of Irish Kidney Association and Marymount Hospice at the Red Fox on Saturday.

Photo by Michelle Cooper Galvin Natasha Bonjer, Ciaran and Mairead Birmingham at the start of the Cycle in aid of Irish Kidney Association and Marymount Hospice at Red Fox on Saturday.

Eileen Blennerhassett and Mary Sheahan