The Irish Kidney Association (IKA) participated in the 43rd Ring of Kerry Cycle on July 5th, an event that saw nearly 4,000 cyclists.

Over 140 riders represented the IKA, raising funds for kidney patients and promoting organ donor awareness.
The Ring of Kerry Cycle, which began over four decades ago to fund a dialysis centre in Kerry, has raised more than €20 million for over 200 charities since 1982.
This year, the IKA was among nine main beneficiary charities. Cyclists raised over €46,000 for the IKA through the iDonate platform, with further contributions anticipated.
Among the IKA supporters were Barry Lehane, who flew from the UK to cycle with his brother John Paul Lehane and his wife Edel from Gneeveguilla. Barry donated a kidney to John Paul in 2018. Eithne Murphy from Castleisland also cycled, expressing gratitude for her father Ted Murphy's life-changing kidney transplant 12 years prior. "We're so glad to still have our dad here with us. The transplant gave us more time together, and we'll always be thankful," Eithne said.
Killarney's retired veterinarian Noel Ryan and Paul Herlihy were also regular IKA supporters. Odran Lucey, Head Chef at the Rose Hotel in Tralee, rode with three cycling friends.
A team of 50 IKA volunteers, led by Killarney's Theresa Looney, a co-founder of the cycle, ensured the event ran smoothly. Three IKA staff members, all kidney transplant recipients, also contributed on the day.
A post-event party was held at the Shire Bar, where cyclists, volunteers, and supporters gathered.
To support the Irish Kidney Association, visit www.idonate.ie/event/rokcc2025-ika.