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Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle aims to raise €1m

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By Michelle Crean

Participants gearing up for this year's Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle will be delighted to hear that registration opens next week.

Last year the popular cycle was back after a two year hiatus with 6,000 cyclists raising a whopping €914,000 for 34 Irish charities and voluntary organisations.

And it's hoped that they'll do it all again on Saturday, July 1 when they take part in the 175km cycle which starts and ends in Killarney. The aim this year is to do better than 2022 and raise in excess of €1m.

Registration for this year's cycle will open via www.ringofkerrycycle.ie next Wednesday (March 1).

The main charities chosen this year include; Breakthrough Cancer Research, Comfort for Chemo, Kerry Mountain Rescue, National Breast Cancer Research, Valentia Hospital, Irish Community Air Ambulance. Other local and important charities include; Killarney Water Rescue, South West Counselling Services, Recovery Haven, Saoirse Foundation/BUMBLEance, Cliona’s Foundation and AK Inspired (Muscular Dystrophy).

Since the event's inception in 1982, close to €18m has been raised making a powerful and meaningful difference to the people who need it most.

According to John Rice, Chairman of the Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle (ROKCC), the main purpose is to fundraise and give back to communities.

"We are a non-profit organisation. It is not a race, nor is it an event for cyclists looking to set a new PB (Personal Best) time for the Ring of Kerry, of course it is for cycling enthusiasts as it is for newcomers to long distance cycling who want to make a difference, make a sacrifice, prepare for the challenge and give back to a charity or voluntary organisation that is important in their own lives.”

The scenery along the route is beyond spectacular. Vistas of the Atlantic Ocean will accompany you for nearly 100kms of the route from Glenbeigh to Kenmare and the most welcome views of all are that of the MacGillycuddy Reeks that will accompany you for your descent back to Killarney. More than one thousand volunteers comprising of medics, marshals and teams of people manning the water and food stations ensure participants safety and sustenance.

Fundraising Manager for Breakthrough Cancer Research, Eoghan O’Sullivan said “to be selected once again as a beneficiary charity is a huge win" for the charity.

"Thanks to the generous support of the public and the ROKCC we have invested millions in cancer research, funding the development of new treatments and diagnostics for cancer which has already led to eight new treatments progressing to clinical trial. Funds raised from the ROKCC 2023 will help fund two exciting new projects in breast and oesophageal (food pipe) cancers and ultimately helping us in our mission to make more survivors.”

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Killarney for Palestine film screening

Killarney for Palestine recently held a sold-out screening of the Oscar-winning documentary ‘No Other Land’ at the West End School of Arts, raising €2,100 for Camp Breakerz. The event, which […]

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Killarney for Palestine recently held a sold-out screening of the Oscar-winning documentary ‘No Other Land’ at the West End School of Arts, raising €2,100 for Camp Breakerz.

The event, which took place on July 3, included two screenings, both of which were fully booked. Guests enjoyed cheese and wine before the shows.
‘No Other Land’ depicts the ongoing destruction in Masafer Yatta, a cluster of villages in the Southern West Bank, and shows the experiences of Palestinians under Israeli occupation. The film won in the Best Documentary category at this year’s Academy Awards.
The screenings were organised in association with the West End School of Arts.
All proceeds from the €25 tickets benefited Camp Breakerz Crew, a children’s charity based in Gaza that provides creative outlets through dance and is involved in food distribution programs in Nuseirat Camp and Deir-Al-Balah due to food shortages.
Sally MacMonagle, who recently spent time in Aida Refugee Camp in Bethlehem, also spoke at one of the screenings.

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Bid to host European Presidency summit meetings gathers pace

Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Tourism, Michael Cahill TD, has highlighted Killarney’s suitability to host summit meetings of international Government Ministers during Ireland’s six-month European Presidency tenure in 2026. Deputy Cahill […]

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Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Tourism, Michael Cahill TD, has highlighted Killarney’s suitability to host summit meetings of international Government Ministers during Ireland’s six-month European Presidency tenure in 2026.

Deputy Cahill believes Kerry’s available accommodation, food, and conference facilities are “second to none,” with Killarney as the central location.
“Visitors from every corner of the earth have been coming to Kerry for centuries now, to experience its beauty and serenity and have returned on many occasions because of the fabulous time they have enjoyed during their stay here,” said Deputy Cahill. “Where else would you want to bring the senior Government Ministers of all of our EU counterpart states, to experience Ireland, its customs and heritage?”
The Rossbeigh TD outlined various attractions available for visitors during downtime: “During their downtime, they can visit the Blaskets and Slea Head, Sceilg Mhichíl and the Ring of Kerry, Killarney’s Lakes, Gap of Dunloe, National Park and Sliabh Luachra, all of our glorious beaches from Ballybunion to Rossbeigh, Kells to Ventry, Whitestrand to Inch, Ballinskelligs to Cromane, Waterville to Derrynane.” He also cited Kerry’s golf courses, Listowel Writers Week, the Rose of Tralee, and Puck Fair as potential experiences.
Deputy Cahill confirmed he has raised this matter with An Taoiseach, Micheál Martin; An Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Simon Harris; and Minister of State for European Affairs, Thomas Byrne.
“If Killarney’s bid is successful in bringing the Heads of State to our county for meetings, conferences and functions, it will be a massive boost to the local economy in Killarney and also throughout the county,” added Cahill.”Iwill continue to push in the coming months for Killarney and Kerry to be included as bases for the rounds of meetings that are to take place from July 1 to December 312026.”

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