2023 BETTER LIFE CYCLE: PRAISE HEAPED ON SCENIC ROUTE

The 2023 Better Life Cycle - the 9th iteration of the annual event - saw 120 cyclists embark on the annual fundraiser from the Longcourt House Hotel in Newcastle West last Saturday, in bright and balmy weather that was very different from 2022.

Last year, the event just about went ahead as the country faced a yellow weather-warning the preceding Friday. However, for 2023 Nollaig Baker says that the group were still getting calls on Friday night and Saturday morning from last-minute enthusiasts who wanted to sign up for ‘The Treaty/Kingdom Tour’.

“We had a super day, with super weather. The support was unreal, and we’d like to thank all the volunteers, the support crews, the cyclists, and our sponsors.”

Leaving Newcastle West, those doing the 130 kilometre route headed west towards Ballybunion where they enjoyed a rest before heading home via Tarbert and Glin. The views, says Ms Baker, were much appreciated by the cyclists who were “really pleased” with the route. Meanwhile, those who had opted for the 65-kilometre route went northwards to Foynes where there was an opportunity for a lunch break.

FUNDS RAISED STILL BEING TOTTED

On the cyclists return, they were surprised further with a €1,000 donation from The Longcourt House Hotel, a first for the fundraisers.

“We’re just a committee of nine, and doing it for nine years, and we’re approaching €500,000 in money raised”, says Nollaig, a remarkable achivement.

The final amount raised from 2023's cycle won’t be known for a number of weeks. In the meantime, the committee thanked those that donated, the hotel, and the volunteers, support network, cyclists and sponsors for a very successful event, as well as the communities of Ballybunion and Foynes.

SOAKING UP THE SUN - Volunteers Amanda Conran, Noreen Pigott, Carmel Roche, Danielle Landers, Ann Nolan, Cora Landers and Catherine O’Keeffe, pictured at the food-stop in Foynes.

Better Life Cyclists and supporters of the annual event - Milo O’Connell, Edward Walsh, Claire O’Connell, John Walsh and Maurice Walsh.

Volunteers and cyclists alike for last weekend’s Better Life Cycle: Declan Roche, Deirdre Coffey, Martin Sheehan, Brian Roche, Darragh Coffey and Denis Coffey.

THE TWO CHAIRMEN! Chair of the St Joseph’s Foundation board, Maurice Riordan (left) with the chairman of Better Life Cycle, John Walsh catching up over a coffee and scone.

Danielle Landers and Brian Roche, two of Saturday’s volunteers, who are both also service users of St Joseph’s.

The group of 120 cyclists and volunteers in Newcastle West last Saturday - well done to everyone concerned.

Martin Sheehan, Better Life Cycle and Kildorrery cyclist, Willie Lee, set for action on Saturday.

Aonghus O Duinnin, Kildorrery with Tom O’Flynn, Kilbehenny arm in arm in Newcastle West.

Anthony Hanrahan, one of the cyclists who took part in Saturday’s fundraising cycle.

Gerry Condon taking some shade during the Better Life Cycle event.