The Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle - which will this year run on Saturday July 2 - is celebrating its 40th anniversary.

However, this year numbers are limited to 8,000 cyclists for the first time.

Back in 1981 a small group of Killarney cyclists had an idea to cycle the Ring of Kerry to raise money for charity.

It has since grown to be Ireland's largest one day charity cycle event and has raised over €17 million for 160 charity and voluntary community organisations.

“Today the vision hasn’t changed but the enormity and success of the event has grown exponentially,” said event PRO Cathal Walshe.

“This fundraising event brings together thousands of cyclists making it a powerful and meaningful impact for people in need across our communities.”

The event has changed considerably since its foundation.

“We have come a long way from those early days when cyclists dusted off their push bikes, no helmets or lycra then, and you were doing well if you had a gear on your bike,” said Acting Chairman Tony Daly.

“Van loads of volunteers would follow and with buckets in hand they would collect up to €15,000 on the day.”

LIMITED

In the past over 10,000 participants took part in the 170km event. As a result of safety concerns this has been reduced to a maximum of 8,000 this year. The restricted numbers will also allow organisers to better manage event catering.

Also, there is a significant number of registered cyclists already on the books from the deferred 2020 and 2021 events.

“We know there will be pent up demand for this year’s cycle, so it will be a case of 'the early bird catches the worm’ so cyclists need to be on the ready when registration opens at 12 noon on Valentine’s Day!” Cathal said.

Charities

The six charities to benefit from this year’s Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle have been named.

Breakthrough Cancer Research and the Irish Community Air Ambulance are the two main beneficiary charities chosen this year.

Local charities are: Ard Chúram Dementia Centre Listowel; Banna Rescue C.R.B.I Unit; Cúnamh Iveragh Respite Home for adults with special needs and Down Syndrome Kerry.

“We hope we can raise a €1,000,000 for the nominated charities,” Tony said. “The cycling community of Kerry and beyond are so thrilled and so looking forward to coming back and feeling the energy and excitement of the day. It is always such a special time, perhaps best described as a carnival for cyclists and their families and the many volunteers who gather year after year to be part of this great day.”

The registration fee for 2022 is €100 plus a 3.5% service fee.

For more information or to register visit: www.ringofkerrycycle.ie.