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27 people who took on an epic endurance challenge like no other – handed over almost €43,000 to three local charities on Saturday night.

The group, part of the 54321 Challenge, cycled The Ring of Kerry, climbed Carrauntoohil, cycled from Killarney to Dingle and climbed Mount Brandon, and finally cycled back to Killarney, from September 6 to 9.

On Saturday night representatives from the group’s chosen charities, Skellig Stars, Grow and Sera Husky Animal Rescue, were delighted to receive funds, a total of €42,456,in JM Reidy’s Bar, Killarney.

This brings the amount raised, in the six years since the charity challenge began, to €135,156 for various Kerry charities.

“27 people started the challenge under the shadow of darkness in Killarney on Thursday, September 6, and cycled around the Ring of Kerry on the first day,” one of the organisers of the challenge, TJ O’Connor, said.

“This would exhaust most people but they were up early again on Friday 7 andtravelled to the base of Carrauntoohil and climbed Ireland’s highest mountain. On Saturday, they once again took to the bicycles and cycled from Killarney to the foot of Mount Brandon and climbed it. The persistent rain and wind did not dampen the spirits of this amazing bunch of people. The challengers spent a welcome night in Dingle before embarking on the final day which was a cycle from Dingle to finish where it all started in Killarney. They received a hero’s welcome at the Gleneagle Hotel where supporters of all three charities gathered to welcome them home. It was a weekend of bonding, banter, singing, struggles, laughs - but most of all a great sense of achievement in completing the challenge on a personal level and for three great causes.

“On behalf of the Skellig Stars, Grow and Sera Husky Animal Rescue and the 54321 Challenge team, we would like to say thank you to all those who have sponsored us,” he added.

The date for next year’s event will be confirmed shortly and the group will be recruiting teams, so if you would like to take part next year or would like further information, please call the event organisers Carole Moran on 087 9471336or TJ O’Connor on 087 6277141.

You can also follow them on Facebook: 54321 Challenge.