As part of the Irish Air Corps 100 year celebrations its members are cycling from Mizen to Malin with a group due to arrive in Molls Gap at lunchtime today (Monday). 

The cyclists are expected to arrive at 1.30pm and will then continue their journey, finishing in Tralee at 4pm. 

The 51km from Molls Gap, KiIlarney to Tralee will be the third leg on day one of a 750km cycle by over 50 members of the Irish Air Corps to raise funds for the Cancer Support Sanctuary LARCC which has a close link with the Irish Air Corp as one of its founders, Commandant Frank Russell, joined the Irish Air Corp in 1964 and retired in 2009.

The 750km route began at Mizen Head this morning. Following a stop in Bantry the second leg of 55km will bring the cyclists to Molls Gap, Killarney and then they will finish the day with a third 51km leg to Tralee. Tomorrow morning (Tuesday), the group will cycle the 44km from Tralee to Tarbert for the ferry to Killimer.The event will take five days arriving at Malin Head on Friday (September 9) with the aim of raising €20,000 for the charity from this initiative.

Cancer Support Sanctuary LARCC is a community-based cancer support centre in Multyfarnham, Co Westmeath. Alongside its suite of professional services offered on an appointment basis LARCC is the only centre in Ireland offering therapeutic residential breaks for cancer patients.

“We are delighted and honoured to have the support of the Irish Air Corp in this historic year for such an iconic element of the Irish Defence Forces," Bernie McHugh, general manager of the Cancer Support Charity LARCC, said.

"The funds raised from this charity cycle will be immense in helping us to continue to provide our vital professional support services to so many cancer patients in the community, and from all parts of Ireland.”

The 50 Air Corp personnel taking part include all ranks and Commandant Stephen Byrne who will lead the group said, “It is appropriate that one of our celebration activities for our 100th anniversary should be to help a vital service for cancer patients. Our members taking part are delighted to have the opportunity to raise funds for the Cancer Support Sanctuary LARCC and we are asking the Irish public to donate generously in whatever way they can.”