By Michelle Crean

A whopping €1.26 million was distributed to multiple charities on Friday evening last in Fossa.

Those in charge of the Ring of Kerry Cycle were delighted to invite representatives from the many charities benefitting from the event which took place in July after a two year absence due to COVID.

"The event turned out to be a great success despite inclement weather especially down south," PRO for the Ring of Kerry Cycle, Cathal Walshe, speaking about the summer event, said.

Charities from all over came to join in the celebration at the weekend. The main beneficiaries were Ard Chúram Listowel, Banna Search and Rescue, Cunamh Iveragh, Cahersiveen, Down Syndrome Kerry, Irish Community Air Ambulance and Breakthrough Cancer Research.

"In addition we had the Irish Red Cross, South West Counselling Service, Killarney Water Rescue, Irish Pilgrimage Trust, Enable Ireland and Brú Columbanus, all of whom received €8,000," Cathal added.

"€2,000 was allocated to 22 other charities throughout the county. The overall figure for this year came to a whopping €1.26 million an increase of €150,000 on the 2019 running. For this we have to thank all the charities, volunteers of which we had over a thousand, the three food stations in Cahersiveen, Kenmare and Killarney and the welcome home in the Beech Road car park. We are also indebted to An Garda Síochána and Killarney Municipal District for their cooperation. Roll on July 1, 2023!"