News
Locals are gearing up for 10th cycling challenge

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."
News
Street Orienteering added to Wander Wild programme
By Sean Moriarty A new event has been added to the extensive Wander Wild Festival next weekend. Kerry Orienteers will run a family-friendly Urban Orienteering event as part of the […]

By Sean Moriarty
A new event has been added to the extensive Wander Wild Festival next weekend.
Kerry Orienteers will run a family-friendly Urban Orienteering event as part of the festival on March 25.
Participants can start at the Killarney Plaza Hotel Basecamp anytime from 2-4pm on Saturday.
Orienteering is an exciting outdoor adventure sport which involves walking or running whilst navigating around a course using a detailed map and sometimes a compass. And the Wander Wild Street Orienteering will have courses suitable for all ages and abilities.
“The aim is to navigate in sequence between a set of control points and decide the best route to complete the course in the quickest time. It does not matter how young, old or fit you are, as you can run, walk or jog the course and progress at your own pace. If you need any help or tips members of Kerry Orienteering Club will be available to assist during the day,” said organiser Brendan O’Brien.
Two routes are available: ‘Wander’ – 2km (easy, wheelchair and buggy accessible) and Wild – 4km (moderate), and bookings can be made via: https://t.ly/jHm2R.
News
Quiz helps to fund Easter pilgrimage
A popular annual table quiz, which raises funds to send Kerry children and young adults with special needs to Lourdes, will be held in Killarney next week. The Tim Moore […]

A popular annual table quiz, which raises funds to send Kerry children and young adults with special needs to Lourdes, will be held in Killarney next week.
The Tim Moore Memorial Table Quiz will be held in the Gleneagle Hotel at 7.30pm on Wednesday, March 29.
The entry fee for tables of four is €40 and it is €20 for teams of four schoolchildren with great prizes up for grabs on the night.
All proceeds will go to the Irish Pilgrimage Trust which organises trips to Lourdes every Easter for children and young adults with additional needs.
They will be brought on the pilgrimage on Easter Sunday and all the volunteer helpers and medical staff that will accompany them will cover for their own travel costs.
The annual quiz, which is running for close on 30 years, is dedicated to the memory of the late Killarney accountant Tim Moore who was a tireless campaigner for the Irish Pilgrimage Trust. He passed away, suddenly, in 2002 and his friends have continued the quiz as a tribute to his legacy and to ensure the charity continues to be supported.
It hasn’t been held for the past two years due to the pandemic but all involved are thrilled that it is back for 2023.
Kieran Coffey, the retired principal of Fossa National School, is one of those who spearhead the Kerry pilgrimage to Lourdes and he has appealed to the public to support the very important fundraiser which helps offset some of the costs involved.
“We are delighted to be in a position to continue Tim’s great work and to dedicate the quiz to him. The event is always so well supported by the people of the greater Killarney area and we greatly appreciate that generosity,” said Kieran.