The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
Tony counting down the days to Ring of Kerry ‘17
WITH JUST OVER FOUR WEEKS TO GO TO THE RING OF KERRY CHARITY CYCLE, TADHG EVANS CATCHES UP WITH CHAIRPERSON TONY DALY
WHEN Tony Daly swerved off for a stop in Cahersiveen during the 2006 Ring of Kerry Cycle, he wobbled towards the table of sandwiches, such was his hunger. The Wexford native had no bite to eat before taking on the 180-kilometre route -his first time ‘doing the RIng’ -- and by the time he reached the cycle’s southernmost pit-stop, he “was only fit to fall off the bike”. He faced odds steeper than a Category One climb if he was to prolong his ‘Ring of Kerry’ story beyond a half-lap of Iveragh.
But since burying those hunger pains under a half-basket’s worth of sandwiches and a mug of scald, Tony has staged a comeback that would compel Lazarus himself to flash a thumbs-up. Tony finished that cycle and four more ‘Rings’ since, and today he’s the Chairperson of the event.
“I’ve done it five times in all for charity, but I fell in love with the route after my first cycle in 2006. I’d say I’ve cycled the ring a few dozen times in all. I just can’t seem to coax myself away from it,” he shares with The Kerryman.
“You couldn’t ask for better scenery than what you get from this awesome route. It’s iconic, and it’s one of several ingredients that’s made it the biggest one-day charity event in Munster.”
The statistics behind that fact are as imposing as the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks’ shadows.
Just under 10,000 people will take on the 180-kilometre route on July 1, all in the name of adding to the near-€12million the cycle has raised since its inauguration in the early 1980s. Tony reckons that around 80 per cent of the event’s 10,000 spaces were gone within weeks of the registration process opening, and only 300-or-so are still up for grabs today with more than a month still standing between today and the day of the event.
“When I first did the cycle, it was the sense of community and goodwill that struck me and dragged me through those hunger pains,” Tony jokes. “You put in a massive effort for your chosen charity, not just during the cycle itself but also when you’re training for the big day. It’s almost 200 kilometres, and it’s no easy task physically, but you do it because it’s for the worthiest causes.
“Even when you’re there as a volunteer it’s special. I started with that side of things three years ago when I manned the food-stop in Kenmare, and there’s a kick to be got out of that too. The event as a whole is magic. That’s why people race to the computer once they hear registration has opened, that’s why you’ll have around 10,000 people cycling on July 1, and that’s why hundreds more will volunteer.”
With the last remaining spaces racing into the distance like a cyclist who has cut ties with a dozing peloton, Tony reiterates the importance of sorting your registration as quickly as possible to avoid disappointment.
Anyone who signs up must register with one of the ten ‘main’ charities, making a basic donation of €100 in the process .
Of the ten main charities, five have already filled their allocation of 1,000 cyclists: Camphill Community Dingle, Derrynane Inshore Rescue, Down Syndrome Kerry, Temple Street Children’s Hospital Foundation, and Recovery Haven. Spaces are still available to cycle for another five charities, however: Kerry Parents and Friends Association Buy a Bus Campaign; Kerry Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre; Social Action Group, Rathmore; Talbot Grove; and Valentia Island Hospital.
“The vast, vast majority of the money we raise is divided out amongst our chosen charities,” Tony explains.
“The whole thing is a massive operation, so there are obviously running costs attached. But regardless of that, I think around 93 per cent of the money we collected last year went to charities, so we’re getting very close to reaching cost-neutrality, which is one of our primary aims.
“Of the final total, around 70 per cent goes to the 10 main charities, with the rest going to our many second and third-tier charities,” the Ring of Kerry Chairperson adds.
With just over four weeks to go to the big day, Tony sounds as animated as a young boy counting down the weeks to Christmas and scanning through a toy catalogue for presents worthy of ‘the Santa list’.
Cycling has a monopoly on his thoughts right now. Just last week he travelled the country to watch his son compete in Ireland’s best-known race, enough to keep him going between now and July 1, hopefully.
“My son Cormac was participating in the Rás Tailteann lately, and I’m only just home from it today,” he says. “He got on very well, and I’m proud out.
“But pride aside, it was also nice to see a bit of cycling before our big day in July! ‘The Ring of Kerry’ is still a month away, so it was great to see a 1,200-kilometre cycle spread out over eight stages. It was enough to keep me ticking over for now!
Mind you, it must be tough to keep your eagerness in-check when there’s many thousands more around the county who’re looking forward
“YOU SEE A LOT MORE CYCLISTS ON THE ROAD AT THIS TIME WITH THE FINE WEATHER, AND EVERY TIME YOU SEE SOMEONE OUT ON THE BIKE, YOU THINK OF THE ‘RING OFKERRY.”
to the ‘Ring’ just as much as you are.
“You obviously see a lot more cyclists on the road at this time with the fine weather, and every time you see someone out on the bike, you think of the ‘Ring of Kerry’,” he said. “You’d even see some of them wearing the jerseys they had from last year’s cycle, and that drives the excitement up another few gears.
“I’d love to cycle it this year myself, but it doesn’t look likely with all the organising that goes into the whole thing. That said, it’s a great consolation when you see people out on the roads, getting themselves in shape ahead of July 1. They must be as excited as I am!”
If you can’t secure a space on the cycle, you can get involved by taking up one of the many volunteering positions available. The organising committee will call upon the efforts of over 1,000 volunteers on the day through food stations, marshalling, safety, water stops, first aid, and more besides.
“Even though you’re not cycling yourself you can still be a part of the atmosphere that goes with an event as wonderful as this.
“To either register as a cyclist or enquire about becoming a volunteer, you should visit our website www.ringofkerrycycle.ie, which is also the go-to point for any other questions you might have about the 2017 cycle.”