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.”