The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
GEARING UP FOR THE RING CYCLE
THE KERRYMAN MEETS SOME OF THE GROUPS SET TO BENEFIT FROM THE RING OF KERRY CYCLE ‘17
EXCITEMENT levels are rising with less than two months to go before the 2017 Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle.
Preparations have stepped up a gear in the past week with a tour of the route being given to the national and local media.
PR firm ‘Legacy Consultants’ have been hired by the organising committee to raise awareness of the event, nationwide. “The committee have hired us not only to raise awareness about the cycle but also to promote the strong fundraising element to it,” said Donna Caden.
“We brought journalists along the route and introduced them to some of the charities, such as the Inshore Rescue team in Derrynane, and Valentia Hospital to give an idea of the work they do and what the funds raised mean to the organisations. They also cycled the Molls Gap part of the route and were blessed with the weather over two days,” Donna added.
Legacy Consultants will also play a key role closer to the cycle.
“We want to generate more interest in the event and we’re working on a video of not only the route itself, but also one that will explain what goes into running the cycle particularly the volunteer element and the charities involved. The important thing to say to people is that there is still a number of spaces left for this year’s cycle,” Donna said.
Among those to meet the delegation was former Kerry football captain, Bryan Sheehan, who spoke of his love of cycling and the ‘Buy a Bus’ campaign.
“My wife Ita works for the Kerry Parents and Friends and is the manager of two of their centres in Cahersiveen and Valentia. It’s only when you see the work she does that you realise the service they provide. It was a bit of a no brainer for me that I should get involved and throw my weight behind this,” said Bryan.
Bryan himself has been precluded from taking part in the Cycle due to the small matter clashing with the Munster Final.
“It’s definitely something on my ‘to-do’ list for the future and being a native of Cahersiveen it’s amazing to see the crowds grow bigger and bigger each year with the event. My father has done the cycle on a number of occasions, as have my friends, who only have good things to say about it. It’s only when you see the effort that goes into the stops along the way that you realise what goes into it, and it’s great to see everyone come together to make it such a success,” Bryan added.
Bryan also spoke of the benefits of cycling to footballers, especially when recovering from injury. “It’s a sport that is growing and is a great physical activity for a person, especially being out in the fresh air on a fine evening. Cycling is something injured players are actually encouraged to do when you can’t physically train because it helps you to do a lot of the aerobic work that you need to do.”
This year’s Ring of Kerry Cycle will see 10,000 cyclists pedalling for 10 charities with the Kerry Rape Crisis Centre, Rathmore Social Action Group and Down Syndrome Kerry among the chosen 2017 charities. The Kerry Rape Crisis Centre have been chosen for a fourth time and Vera O’Leary from the organisation explains what the benefits of the Cycle.
“Finance is one benefit we certainly wouldn’t be able to provide the services we do at the level they currently are without it. Just as important though is in terms of raising awareness. Sexual violence is a very difficult topic for people to talk about. We find that people have more confidence in coming to us in recent years since we’ve been involved in the Cycle. We’re grateful to those who have signed up to fundraise for us so far, but there are still places left for anyone who’s interested,” said Vera.
Rathmore Social Action Group are another charity with places still available and their representative is Marie O’Leary who was full of praise for the work of the organising committee.
“The level of commitment is amazing. This is our fifth time being involved and we estimate the cycle is worth at least €150,000 to our organisation. Two weeks ago we opened four new houses on the site of the old Presentation Convent in the village. The only funding we are getting is from both the Cycle and our own funds at the moment and that covers the running of 27 houses, a laundry service as well as ‘Meals on Wheels’,” said Marie.
“We cater for people with a wide range of conditions and the problems in rural Ireland are well known. The Bank and Post Office have closed down in Rathmore and the doctor’s services have been cut back. You would be worried about where the next five years will take us unless we fight to hold on to what we have,” added Marie.
Up next for Rathmore Social Action Group is four more houses on the site of the old National School in the village.
One charity that reached its quota of 1000 cyclists is Down Syndrome Kerry and their representative is Denis Cronin who said the funds they raise as part the Cycle act as an important buffer.
“It would be our biggest source of income and one that would be enough to keep us going for two to three years. A lot of our expenditure is continuous as opposed to being focussed on specific projects and we run Speech and Occupational Therapy as well as an adult literacy service in IT Tralee as part of our work. It’s the biggest event in Ireland from a fundraising point of view and we are delighted to be involved with it,” Denis said.
Anyone interested in taking one of the remaining spots for the event on Saturday July 1 is encouraged to keep track of the event through its website and Facebook page for details of available spaces.
The other charities that will benefit from this year’s cycle include Camphill Community Dingle, Recovery Haven, Temple Street Children’s Hospital and Talbot Grove.