Connect with us

News

GOAL calling on cyclists to pedal west for Ukraine

Published

on

0232499_NO_FEE_036_GOAL_Pedal_West.jpg

Ireland's cycling community is coming together on August 20 to support Irish humanitarian aid organisation GOAL and their Ukraine Crisis Appeal.

GOAL's 'Pedal West for Ukraine' challenge aims to help raise life-saving funds for people impacted by the conflict, which is in its fourth month.

The 75 kilometre challenge begins at Ballyseedy Home & Garden Centre in Tralee, who are also partnering with GOAL on the event, before going through Camp and Annascaul on the Dingle Peninsula. The route continues to Inch Beach and Castlemaine, before finishing off at Ballyseedy Home & Garden Centre.

GOAL Board member, former TD and Kerry footballer, Jimmy Deenihan, is looking forward to the event.

“We are delighted to welcome as many cyclists as possible and their families to this beautiful part of the country on what is a breath-taking route. While the cycle will be a lot of fun, it is to support the most urgent of humanitarian crises in Ukraine, where millions of people have been impacted by this tragic war. We encourage people to get involved and support people in this time of need.”

Since the conflict broke out in Ukraine in late February, 6.8 million Ukrainians have fled their country and crossed international borders and there are 7.1 million people who are displaced within Ukraine.

GOAL has set up a base in Lviv, appointed a Director to lead GOAL’s operations in Ukraine and is recruiting a number of other staff. In partnership with a Ukrainian charity called Right to Protection, GOAL is delivering a number of services to displaced Ukrainians. These include the provision of legal advice on access to social welfare, housing, employment and education and counselling sessions to help displaced people reduce stress and anxiety and overcome the extreme trauma they have experienced since the conflict broke out and take positive steps for good mental health. GOAL will provide these services in temporary shelters in three cities in Eastern Ukraine to start with, with possible additional coverage in two other cities.

Speaking about the event Managing Director of Ballyseedy Home & Garden, Nathan McDonnell said "We are gearing up to a brilliant event for an excellent cause and thankfully we're in a position to help".

"A little support can go a long way and it's so important that we stand in solidarity with our Ukrainian friends. We encourage all ages to get behind this fundraiser in any way they can, during this difficult time for Ukraine."

Advance registration is required. For more information and to register for GOAL’s 'Pedal West for Ukraine', please visit: www.goalglobal.org/pedalwestforukraine/.

Advertisement

News

Killarney for Palestine film screening

Killarney for Palestine recently held a sold-out screening of the Oscar-winning documentary ‘No Other Land’ at the West End School of Arts, raising €2,100 for Camp Breakerz. The event, which […]

Published

on

Killarney for Palestine recently held a sold-out screening of the Oscar-winning documentary ‘No Other Land’ at the West End School of Arts, raising €2,100 for Camp Breakerz.

The event, which took place on July 3, included two screenings, both of which were fully booked. Guests enjoyed cheese and wine before the shows.
‘No Other Land’ depicts the ongoing destruction in Masafer Yatta, a cluster of villages in the Southern West Bank, and shows the experiences of Palestinians under Israeli occupation. The film won in the Best Documentary category at this year’s Academy Awards.
The screenings were organised in association with the West End School of Arts.
All proceeds from the €25 tickets benefited Camp Breakerz Crew, a children’s charity based in Gaza that provides creative outlets through dance and is involved in food distribution programs in Nuseirat Camp and Deir-Al-Balah due to food shortages.
Sally MacMonagle, who recently spent time in Aida Refugee Camp in Bethlehem, also spoke at one of the screenings.

Continue Reading

News

Bid to host European Presidency summit meetings gathers pace

Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Tourism, Michael Cahill TD, has highlighted Killarney’s suitability to host summit meetings of international Government Ministers during Ireland’s six-month European Presidency tenure in 2026. Deputy Cahill […]

Published

on

Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Tourism, Michael Cahill TD, has highlighted Killarney’s suitability to host summit meetings of international Government Ministers during Ireland’s six-month European Presidency tenure in 2026.

Deputy Cahill believes Kerry’s available accommodation, food, and conference facilities are “second to none,” with Killarney as the central location.
“Visitors from every corner of the earth have been coming to Kerry for centuries now, to experience its beauty and serenity and have returned on many occasions because of the fabulous time they have enjoyed during their stay here,” said Deputy Cahill. “Where else would you want to bring the senior Government Ministers of all of our EU counterpart states, to experience Ireland, its customs and heritage?”
The Rossbeigh TD outlined various attractions available for visitors during downtime: “During their downtime, they can visit the Blaskets and Slea Head, Sceilg Mhichíl and the Ring of Kerry, Killarney’s Lakes, Gap of Dunloe, National Park and Sliabh Luachra, all of our glorious beaches from Ballybunion to Rossbeigh, Kells to Ventry, Whitestrand to Inch, Ballinskelligs to Cromane, Waterville to Derrynane.” He also cited Kerry’s golf courses, Listowel Writers Week, the Rose of Tralee, and Puck Fair as potential experiences.
Deputy Cahill confirmed he has raised this matter with An Taoiseach, Micheál Martin; An Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Simon Harris; and Minister of State for European Affairs, Thomas Byrne.
“If Killarney’s bid is successful in bringing the Heads of State to our county for meetings, conferences and functions, it will be a massive boost to the local economy in Killarney and also throughout the county,” added Cahill.”Iwill continue to push in the coming months for Killarney and Kerry to be included as bases for the rounds of meetings that are to take place from July 1 to December 312026.”

Continue Reading

Last News

Sport