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LOCAL heroes Amy O’Connor and Colm Cooper were on hand to raise the flag for almost 10,000 big-hearted charity champions who pedalled the 34th Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle this weekend.

Cyclists gathered in Killarney for the 7am official start yesterday, cheered on by GAA legend Colm and Amy, 10.

The event is the biggest one-day charity fundraising event in Ireland. Over the weekend Killarney attracted thousands of leisure cyclists, completing the 180km challenge across the spectacular Ring of Kerry, while at the same time fundraising for worthy charities.

The ten main beneficiaries were: Derrynane Inshore Rescue Services; Kerry Rape & Sexual Abuse Centre; Talbot Grove; Recovery Haven (Cancer Support House); Social Action Group Rathmore; Kerry Parents & Friends Association; Down Syndrome Ireland – Kerry Branch; Camphill Community Dingle; Temple Street Foundation; and Valentia Island Hospital.

The event attracts participants from all walks of life including Olympic silver medallist Sonia O’Sullivan who flew in from Melbourne Australia to take part for the first time.

Cathal Walshe, PRO of the Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle, said: “We were delighted with the positive messages of support we received this year following another successful Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle. This event would not be possible without the ongoing hard work and support from our team of organisers, charities and 1400 volunteers. The event continues to raise in excess of €1million for a host of worthy causes.

“To the cyclists who support us every year and those who joined us for the first time this year – See in you all 2018!”
 

 
ABOVE: A very special start to this years 34th Annual Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle 2017, saw the Legendary Kerry Football Champion Colm Cooper raise the flag with his biggest fan Amy O’Connor,(aged 10) from Killarney. PICTURE: VALERIE O'SULLIVAN