All bikes great and small turn out for a fine cause

WHILE its title pays homage to the famous Honda 50, there was far more variety than that amongst the bikes seen at the Mid Kerry Honda 50 Run on Sunday – and there were plenty bikes full stop at the occasion.

Indeed, despite these being COVID-19 times, the entry numbers almost doubled from 58 to 99, Tom Kelleher of the organising party told The Kerryman, and this was the most successful staging of the event’s five runs to date. It stopped along the way in Glencar, Glenbeigh, Ballaghisheen, and the Market House in Cahersiveen, and anyone passing was treated to the sight of 99 bikes big and small.

It was all in aid of a great cause as well, with €2,225 raised for the St Austin’s Unit at St Mary of the Angels, Beaufort.

The day saw participants pass through points throughout mid and south Kerry, and the hard work in enforcing social distancing to the maximum and marking out the route paid off, Tom explained.

“A lot of work has been put in, and there had to be, because everything had to be right for the times we’re in,” Tom said.

“We are delighted with how it’s gone. We got nearly 100 bikes – 99 to be exact – and a good turnout from both within and outside the county. I think a lot of participants enjoyed it before, and it has grown through word of mouth.

“I’d like to thank everyone who has helped out in any way,” Tom added. “That includes all sponsors, volunteers, donors, riders, the Market House, and Slogadh Signs.”

Photo by Michelle Cooper Galvin. Damien Fleming, Moss Kelleher and James and Paudie Kelleher participating in the Honda 50 Charity Run in aid of St Mary of the Angels.

All photos by Michelle Cooper Galvin. Tom Kelleher, Beaufort; James O’Brien, Castlemaine; and Willie Fleming, Killarney at the charity run.

Ross, Darragh and Adrian Moriarty, Beaufort, participating in the Honda 50 Charity Run