HUGE TURNOUT IN MEMORY OF STEPHANIE
THE late Stephanie O’Sullivan is very much to the fore of people’s minds this time of year as the annual cycle held in her memory attracts cyclists from all over the county to the Nagle Rice Community Centre in Milltown.
Since it started in 2012, the cycle has grown in popularity and this year’s starter was none other than Kerry star Aidan O’Mahony who raised the flag before a packed crowd on Sunday morning. Joining Aidan was former Kerry player and current Kerry selector Liam Hassett of the Killorglin Mental Health Association who, along with the Kerry Samaritans, is a beneficiary of the cycle.
The choice of two routes, 40km and 80km, through the scenic stretches of mid Kerry is a popular one among cyclists as it’s considered a perfect stepping stone for the upcoming Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle. Stephanie’s father and cycle organiser, Dan Joe, praised the effort put in by the community who he said ‘rally to the cause’ by preparing food for cyclists, volunteering, and marshalling.
“We’re holding our numbers very well every year and it seems to be gathering attention with new cyclists taking part again this year,” Dan Joe said.
“It’s a lovely day and I want to thank everyone who has helped us. It’s lovely to look back when it’s all over at the people who came to remember Stephanie. There’s also great help from the community, whether it’s buttering sandwiches or marshalling the roads, they’ve just been fantastic. Over 2000 Mars bars and 80 bracs were waiting for hungry cyclists on their return. The 2019 cycle will be on the same weekend again,” he added.