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Para-athlete to hand-cycle 2000kms around Ireland

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EPIC TRIP: American para-athlete Chris Slavin is hoping to become the first person to hand-cycle 2000km around Ireland – to raise funds for The Ian O’Connell Trust.

 

Chris plans fundraiser for local wheelchair user

By Sean Moriarty

American para-athlete Chris Slavin is hoping to become the first person to hand-cycle 2000km around Ireland – to raise funds for The Ian O’Connell Trust.

The epic trip, which began at 9am this morning in Killarney, is being undertaken to raise awareness about spinal injuries. Slavin herself suffered two in her ski career and is now in a wheelchair.

A former competitive snowboarder, Slavin was a keen traveller to Ireland, where she hiked the countryside, attended céilís and attempted to learn the Irish language.

In 2007, she suffered a serious spinal injury during a US ski-board competition and lost the use of her legs but continued as a para-skier in the mono-ski category. Eight years later she suffered another bad skiing accident that again damaged her spine.

She returned to Ireland on the 10th anniversary of her first accident and now divides her time between Killarney, Massachusetts and Cork.

During her time here she befriended local well-known wheelchair users including Ian O’Connell and Timo O’Sullivan of Lough Lein Anglers.

This year, as well as completing the Ring of Kerry Cycle on her hand cycle, she set up a charity called ‘Project Possible’ where she hopes to encourage wheelchair users to enjoy the great outdoors in places like Killarney National Park.

“Killarney is one of the most accessible towns I have been in Ireland,” she told the Killarney Advertiser. “It is not perfect, but it is comparatively good. I see Killarney, and everything it offers, being the ideal location for a project of this type. Really, there is something for everyone in Killarney; and the people. There is nobody with more can-do and warmth than a Kerry person. Seriously, I met Timo O'Sullivan on my first trip to Killarney...now there is the embodiment of Kerry ‘can do’.”

She picked September when tourist traffic will be less and because it’s also Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month. Her journey begins at 9am tomorrow morning from theMonsignor Hugh O'Flaherty statute on the Mission Road.

It will take around four weeks to complete and she is expected to return to the Monsignor Hugh O'Flaherty statue by September 28.

 

 

 

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Deenagh Lodge to host Alzheimer’s Memory Walk

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Killarney National Park will serve as the venue for this year’s Kerry Alzheimer’s Memory Walk on Sunday, September 20.

Participants will gather at the Deenagh Lodge ahead of an 11.00am start to complete a 5km scenic route through the park.

The event takes place on the eve of World Alzheimer’s Day as part of a nationwide series of walks supported by Aviva.


Now in its seventh year, the initiative raises vital funds for The Alzheimer Society of Ireland to support local dementia services, including daycare centres, family carer training, social clubs, dementia cafés, and the national helpline.

Last year, nearly 3,000 walkers across Ireland raised over €240,000 for the cause.


The Kerry walk will be led by local champions Kathriona Sheehan, Niamh Murphy, Lynda Phillips, and Melissa Molyneaux, who are walking in support of all those living with dementia.
“We are proud to lead our annual Alzheimer’s Memory Walk supported by Aviva to help fund local dementia services in Kerry,” they said. “The event is about community and helping spread awareness by walking together to raise vital funds for care, support, and hope for the days ahead. Join us in Killarney on Sunday, 20th September to show your support.”


With over 40 walks scheduled across Ireland, members of the public can walk in memory of a loved one or to show solidarity. Further details and registration are available at memorywalk.ie.

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Gary Moynihan wins racecourse style title

Style reigned supreme at Killarney Racecourse as local resident Gary Moynihan and Offaly’s Sylwia Novak captured the top honours at the Canella Lane Best Dressed Day. Moynihan, a local neuromuscular […]

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Style reigned supreme at Killarney Racecourse as local resident Gary Moynihan and Offaly’s Sylwia Novak captured the top honours at the Canella Lane Best Dressed Day.

Moynihan, a local neuromuscular therapist, claimed Best Dressed Gentleman in a made-to-measure six-button burgundy double-breasted suit with a navy check from Saville Menswear in Cork. He completed the winning look with a shirt and paisley tie from Simply Suits Killarney and brown derby shoes from Pavers at the Killarney Outlet Centre.
Best Dressed Lady was awarded to Novak, a hospital personal assistant from Tullamore, who wore a red polka-dot ensemble and custom hat designed by milliner Rita Daly, featuring sustainable jewellery made from recycled plastic.
Canella Lane owner Ciana Aspell praised the high standard of fashion on the day, while Killarney Racecourse Manager Karl McCay thanked the sponsors and racegoers for their support.
With the summer season now wrapped up, the team at Killarney Racecourse is gearing up for the October Festival on October 4 and 5, featuring its first-ever Student Raceday with SPIN South West on the Monday. Early ticket booking is advised.

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