Cycling Club mentors guide 17 newcomers to Ring of Kerry challenge

The success of this year’s Killarney Cycling Club mentoring programme will bear fruit this Saturday as 17 newcomers take to the roads fully prepared for the Ring of Kerry charity cycle.

The club wrapped up its latest training initiative just in time for the major event, welcoming a group of new members who are now cycling competently, safely, and with confidence.
This year’s cohort brought a fantastic, spirited energy and represented a wide mix of backgrounds. Some participants were returning to the road after a long hiatus, others had never sat on a road bike before, and a few were Killarney National Park regulars who initially wondered how they would ever push their distance past the 80km mark.
They found their answers and built their stamina thanks to a dedicated leadership team. Kevin Murphy led two indoor turbo nights, tuning everyone into the best use of gears and efficient cycling. Dan O’Connor braved the challenging weather of April, May, and June to lead the group out on the road on Wednesday evenings, alongside two longer weekend cycles, freely sharing his wealth of cycling knowledge. Fiona O’Donoghue coordinated the mentoring programme, keeping the entire schedule running smoothly from start to finish.
Reflecting on her experience, participant Mary Cussen noted that joining the programme as a total newbie was the best decision ever. She highlighted the supportive and encouraging nature of the group, which included plenty of laughs and coffee stops along the various routes, adding that she cannot believe what she achieved on the journey and feels incredibly proud of herself.

The Diocese of Kerry has announced its annual clerical changes, bringing a direct swap between two local priests.

Fr Kieran O’Brien, who has been the Parish Administrator in Killarney, is moving to become the Parish Priest of Rathmore.

Moving in the opposite direction, Fr Pat O’Donnell will leave Rathmore to take over as the new Parish Administrator in Killarney.

Both priests are well-known and highly regarded in their communities, meaning they will be missed in their old parishes but widely welcomed into their new roles.

Other changes affecting the Killarney area include Fr Vitalis Barasa moving from Killarney to become the Parish Priest of Ballymacelligott.

Fr Sean Murphy will move from Kenmare to minister in Killarney, and Fr Jim Lenihan will take over as the Moderator for Kilcummin.

With three parish priests retiring across the region this summer, there are eleven changes in total, affecting seven of the diocese’s twelve pastoral areas.

Bishop of Kerry Ray Browne thanked the clergy for taking on their new responsibilities.
“The announcement of the appointments list is an annual opportunity for all of us to remember and reflect on activity and progress through the past year,” Bishop Browne said. “With three parish priests retiring this summer, naturally there are many new appointments.

Sincere thanks to the retiring priests for their lifelong ministry in the priesthood. Sincere thanks to all the priests who have agreed to take up new appointments this summer.”

Photo: Marie O’Sullivan-Carroll