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Locals are gearing up for 10th cycling challenge

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By Michelle Crean

It's a decade since they began their fundraising efforts and now locals are gearing up to do it all again.

​​​The 54321 Challenge was originally started 10 years ago with a team of five people over four days, completing three cycles, and climbing two mountains for one cause – local charities.

This year it takes place from Thursday August 18 to Sunday 21 inclusive with 10 teams of five taking to the roads and mountains of Kerry in support of 10 Kerry charities including The Irish Pilgimage Trust, Kerry Hospice, Comfort for Chemo Kerry, ADAPT Kerry, Skellig Stars, Cystic Fibrosis Kerry, Sera Husky, HeartBeat Killarney, Alannah and Polly's Fight for Sight and Scoil Iognaid Ris.

Day one begins with a cycle along the Ring of Kerry, day two they'll climb Carrantuohil, and on the third day will cycle from Killarney to Cahersiveen via the Ballaghasheen Pass and then climb Cnoc Na Tobair. And if that isn't enough to tire them out they'll spend their final day cycling 70km on the Skellig Ring.

"There will also be a number of Spinathon Days and we would be delighted to welcome volunteers to participate," TJ O'Connor said.

The first will take place on Saturday July 30 in Listowel, Killorglin, Dingle, Cahersiveen. The second on Sunday August 14 in Killarney, and on Saturday August 27 in Tralee.

The Challenge has raised almost €302,000 to date supporting a number of very deserving Kerry charities, he added.

"After the last few years, we are delighted again to be able to welcome back a greater number of participants many of those have done the challenge a number of times previously and are delighted to join in on the 10-year celebrations. It’s all of the 10's – 10 teams to support 10 charities. Our aim this year is to try to raise €100,000 - optimistic we know, but we also know that people are good and they will be behind us all the way. We would be very grateful for any contribution to these very worthwhile causes and supporting the participants of this year’s Challenge.

There will be updates and news along the way on their social media pages.

"Please see more about the Challenge and the people taking part and to donate on Facebook: 54321 Challenge and www.54321challenge.org or via GoFundMe: 54321 Challenge - 10 Years On

If you would like further information, please call TJ O'Connor on 087 6277141, Carole Moran on 087 9471336 or Tony Dunne 086 8202832.

"With your support and donations, we can support all these very deserving causes."

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Funding Imminent for Fitzgerald Stadium Development

The long-awaited development of Fitzgerald Stadium is set to take a major step forward, with an announcement on further funding expected imminently, according to Kerry Fianna Fáil TD Michael Cahill. […]

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The long-awaited development of Fitzgerald Stadium is set to take a major step forward, with an announcement on further funding expected imminently, according to Kerry Fianna Fáil TD Michael Cahill.

Deputy Cahill said the project must not be allowed to stall, urging that momentum be maintained as it moves into its next phase.
“The proposed development of Fitzgerald Stadium in Killarney needs to be moved on now and not allowed to fall behind in its planned progression,” he stated, adding that he is confident of a positive funding decision soon.
Cahill has raised the Fitzgerald Stadium Development Plan in Dáil Éireann with several senior government figures, including An Taoiseach Micheál Martin and the Minister for Justice, Jim O’Callaghan.
“They are well versed in the detail of it, and I feel that we are going to get a positive announcement shortly on further funding for this crucial project for Kerry,” he said.
The proposed upgrades to the iconic stadium are seen as a key development not only for Killarney, but for the entire county. The venue would be able to host major sporting events and large-scale entertainment such as concerts featuring world-renowned performers.
“Kerry as a whole will benefit from having such a facility in Killarney,” said Cahill. “Hospitality providers of all hues and in all parts of Kerry will gain additional business when the Fitzgerald Stadium Development is completed.”
He also praised the application submitted by the Kerry County Board, calling it “fantastic” and deserving of support. “This will be a massive boost for Killarney and the entire county, will significantly increase footfall and will be great for the local economy. I believe that Fitzgerald Stadium will secure major funding under the IIP scheme in the very near future,” he said.

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Fossa roadworks concerns realised

Predictions made by elected members of the Killarney Municipal District (KMD) regarding the Fossa roadworks have come to fruition this week. A video has surfaced showing a local farmer driving […]

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Predictions made by elected members of the Killarney Municipal District (KMD) regarding the Fossa roadworks have come to fruition this week.

A video has surfaced showing a local farmer driving a tractor with a hay turner encountering a French-registered camper van in the village.
The footage shows very little space for the two vehicles to pass each other.
Concerns have been raised that if a camper van, which is similar in size to an ambulance, struggled to pass, it could create significant issues for emergency vehicles needing to use the road.
The ongoing major roadworks in Fossa were previously the subject of heated discussion at a Killarney Municipal District Council meeting.
At that time, councillors were warned about potential gridlock and traffic problems due to the narrowed road width. It was highlighted that with the road being just six metres wide and large vehicles measuring up to 3.5 metres, encounters could lead to “complete gridlock and traffic mayhem.”
Despite these warnings, council officials had stated that the construction work was too far advanced to make changes. The recent video validates the earlier concerns raised by elected members.

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