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CYCLE: Representatives of this year's main charities at the launch of The Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle 2019, at Muckross Gardens, Killarney. Back row from left: Evelyn Goggin (Cœnamh Iveragh), Marisa Reidy (Recovery Haven), MichŽeal O Muircheartaigh (Sports Commentator and Kerry Parents & Friends), Sean Heaphy (Aras Mhuire Nursing Home). Front row: Eoghan O'Sullivan (Breakthrough Cancer Research) and Vera O'Leary (Kerry Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre). Photo: Valerie O'Sullivan

Ireland’s largest single day charity fundraising event is back - the Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle - and registration is now open.

This year’s theme is #ExperienceTheFeeling and cyclists will be raising funds for six carefully selected charities in Ireland.

And to ensure the safety of everyone involved in the 175kmcycle, places are limited to 8,000.

Every year, the Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle opens an application process for several charities to apply and become a beneficiary charity for the event.

The Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle is delighted to welcome some familiar faces and some new faces this year, all of whom will hugely benefit from the donations raised for new equipment to help patients, funding for staff and building extensions for special facilities etc.

Aras Mhuire Nursing Home, Cúnamh Iveragh, Breakthrough Cancer Research, Kerry Rape & Sexual Abuse Centre, Recovery Haven – Cancer Support House and St Mary’s of Angels.

There are also an additional five charities who will be allocated funds from the registration proceeds; Camphill Community Dingle, Brú Columbanus, Cork, Ard Curam (Day Care Centre), Southwest Counselling Centre and the National Rehabilitation Centre Dublin.

 “I am delighted to be working with the Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle this year,” Bridget McGuire, Chairperson for the Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle, said.

“For the past 36 years, it has been a significant charity fundraising event and I know it holds a special place in the hearts of Kerry people. After raising over €1 million last year, our goal for 2019 is to continue to raise as much money as possible for our six new charities. We’re encouraging everyone to experience and participate in this year’s Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle in some way - whether it’s participating in the cycle, volunteering, working with the charities involved or supporting the event on the day.”

The registration fee for 2019 is €100 plus a 3.5 percent service fee. Cyclists can choose to fundraise for their selected charity through the online fundraising platform, Everyday Hero, or sponsorship cards. The Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle official merchandise includes a jersey or neck buff, both of which can be pre-ordered online.

For more information and to register visit, www.ringofkerrycycle.ie.