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Lords and ladies of the Ring get set to saddle up
W
WHILE the weather may be “in the lap of the gods”, to quote Ring of Kerry Cycle PRO Cathal Walshe, organisers hope the 34th annual event will be a safe and enjoyable one.
And there will be many famous faces among the 9,000 big-hearted lords and ladies of the Ring who will come under starter’s orders at 7am on Saturday in Killarney.
Former Taoiseach Enda Kenny and his son Ferdia will be saddling up for the event, both having completed it several times over the years. Indeed, one year Enda was accompanied on the route by Leo Varadkar, who would go on to succeed him as Taoiseach this year.
World Champion and Olympic athlete Sonia O’Sullivan and former Galway GAA dual star and philanthropist Alan Kerins will both use pedal power to generate funds for Temple Street Children’s Hospital. Former chief superintendent of Kerry Gardai Pat Sullivan and his wife Maura are also all set to complete the 180km route. “The main message is safety. We want everyone to enjoy the day and come home safely; it’s not about speed,” Cathal Walshe told Killarney Advertiser.
The fun will begin tomorrow afternoon from 2pm to 10pm with registration at Beech Road. There will also be an exciting expo area in association with O’Sullivan Cycles.
Meanwhile, Beech Road will also be the place to be on Saturday where you can cheer and support the cyclists as they cross the finish line and receive their medals.
The 2017 cycle is dedicated to the memory of Killarney woman Annette Mannix.
This year's beneficiaries are:
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
Campbell Community, Dingle
Temple Street Foundation
Valentia Island Hospital