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Spinathon a boost to 54321 fundraising drive
DEDICATED: TJ O'Connor, one of the organisers of the 54321 Challenge, taking part in the spinathon in Killorglin on Saturday last.
By Michelle Crean
Three spinathons and four collections took place over the bank holiday weekend to help boost fundraising efforts for this year's 54321 Challenge - with the help of Kerry manager Peter Keane and 'Local Gossip' comedian Bernard Casey.
The charity Challenge has no option but to go back to basics this year with just five participants instead of the usual 50. This means there's a significant drop in funding for the chosen charities so organisers took to the streets of Killorglin, Cahersiveen, Listowel and Dingle on Saturday.
All but Listowel had participants take part in a charity spinathon while volunteers collected funds to help boost the cash flow - and they're planning another fundraising day on Main St in Killarney on August 15, with other venues to be confirmed.
Then it'll be time to take on the enormous task of the Ring of Kerry Cycle on day one on August 20, followed by a climb 3,407 feet up Carrauntoohil on day two, day three the five will challenge themselves further by cycling over 78kms from Killarney to the foot of Mount Brandon and then climb 3,123 ft up Mt Brandon, and day four on Sunday, August 23 they'll finish with a cycle from Dingle to Killarney.
To date the Challenge has raised almost €207,000 supporting a number of very deserving Kerry charities.
This year Skellig Stars, a group of children and adult athletes with special needs; Kerry Hospice Foundation and Enable Ireland Kerry are the chosen charities. Each charity will have a champion undertaking the challenge on their behalf.
"The spinathon was done because fundraising was quite slow this year as we've only five taking part due to the restrictions when we'd normally have 50," one of the organisers TJ O'Connor said.
"It was fantastic, it was amazing really. We had over 30 people spinning on the day. We are overwhelmed with peoples' generosity and kindness." However, he added that they haven't gotten the final figure yet from Saturday's event as it has to come in from four locations and be counted.
Anyone looking to donate can do so via www.54321challenge.org or see the individual charities Facebook pages for online donation information or donate by Direct Debit to Bank of Ireland, Killarney. Sort code 90-57-58 Account No. 74356384 (BIC BOFIIE2D and IBAN IE88BOFI90575874356384).
"Thanks to everyone who has donated so far and those who took part in the spinathon. Your kindness is greatly appreciated."
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STARS SUPPORT: Former Kerry players Billy O'Shea and Bryan Sheehan lending their support with current Kerry manager Peter Keane.[/caption]
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FUN: Having fun whilse supporting local charities was Helen O'Sullivan Murphy pictured with Seamus Kerrisk Manager of Keane's SuperValu Killorglin.[/caption]
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ON YOUR BIKE: Comedian Bernard Casey got on the bike to lend his support for the spinathon on Saturday last.[/caption]
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SPINNING: Rita O' Sullivan, Marian Kelly, Brendan Sheehan and Michael O'Sullivan from Skelligs Stars in Cahersiveen taking part in the spinathon on Saturday last.[/caption]
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SUPPORT: Sean Murphy supporting the spinathon on Saturday last.[/caption]
News
Killarney stage to feature in new look Rás Mumhan
Cycling By Sean Moriarty Killarney will play a crucial role in the revival of four-day Kerry Group Rás Mumhan cycle race. The event, one of the biggest road races in Ireland. It has not run since 2019 after Killorglin Cycling Club withdrew from organising it.The organisation of Rás Mumhan was transferred to a committee in […]
Cycling
By Sean Moriarty
Killarney will play a crucial role in the revival of four-day Kerry Group Rás Mumhan cycle race.
The event, one of the biggest road races in Ireland. It has not run since 2019 after Killorglin Cycling Club withdrew from organising it.
The organisation of Rás Mumhan was transferred to a committee in County Tipperary but they never got the event off the ground as a result of the pandemic.
A new joint effort between four cycling clubs in Kerry has taken over the running of the event under new race director Daithi Creedon and his committee.
It will be the first major Stage Race on the Irish Cycling Calendar and will take place over the four days of Easter weekend from April 15 to April 18.
Killarney Cycling club will run the second leg of the event – a stage from the town to Sneem via Bealach Oisin Pass on Easter Saturday.
The opening leg will be hosted by Tralee Manor West BC and will start and finish in the county town and run via Annascaul and Castlemaine.
Sliabh Luachra Cycling Club is in charge of day three which takes in Knocknagree, Rathmore and Kishkeam.
The final day is in the hands of Currow Cycling Club and they will run the Knocknagoshel to Headley’s Bridge looped stage.
“This year’s route will allow the riders to race every day, with undulating roads and deliberately staying away from big category 1 climbs, this will open up the race for aggressive racing. Stage four will be a spectator friendly stage and will be a great finale to Rás Mumhan,” said Creedon.
“We wish to acknowledge and thank Killorglin Cycling Club for the fantastic work they have carried out in promoting and running this event in the past.”
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News
Northern lights delight for Aoife and Sinead
By Con Dennehy The continued growth, development and participation of women’s handball in Kerry was rewarded at the weekend when Tyrone hosted ‘She’s Ace’, the prestigious All Ladies Handball championships. Attracting all the leading players in Ireland, it was the Spa/Killarney trio of Aoife Walsh, Sinead Moriarty and Niamh Faulds who shot out the Northern […]
By Con Dennehy
The continued growth, development and participation of women’s handball in Kerry was rewarded at the weekend when Tyrone hosted ‘She’s Ace’, the prestigious All Ladies Handball championships.
Attracting all the leading players in Ireland, it was the Spa/Killarney trio of Aoife Walsh, Sinead Moriarty and Niamh Faulds who shot out the Northern lights with a phenomenal display of handball.
In the Ladies ‘Challenger 1 Wall’ competition Aoife Walsh faced a top-class field.
Following quarter and semi-final wins, she went into the final with the favourites tag.
Walsh again produced a sizzling display of handball to outclass her opponent, Emma O’Neill (Tyrone), to clinch the title on a 15-4 scoreline.
There was further joy for the Spa based club when one of their promising new players, Sinead Moriarty, teamed up with Clare Conway (Tyrone) and Carla Corcoran (Tyrone) in the Mixed Grade team competition.
Twelve teams contested this competition with Moriarty key to their success. In the opening rounds the team scored 25-16 and 25-20 to reach the final where they had an impressive 25-22 victory in a classic game that showcased the finer skills of handball.
The other Killarney competitor, Niamh Faulds added to her growing reputation with some impressive games in the “1 Wall’, ‘4 Wall’ and team competitions, winning one game and narrowly loosing out in the other games despite close 25-18, 21-19, 21-17 score-lines.
“This has been a historic and important weekend for women’s handball in Kerry. Winning titles is a massive boost for the sport and something we can build on in the coming weeks and months,” said Jack O’Shea, P.R.O. of the Kerry Handball Board.
Attachments
Killarney stage to feature in new look Rás Mumhan
Cycling By Sean Moriarty Killarney will play a crucial role in the revival of four-day Kerry Group Rás Mumhan cycle...
Northern lights delight for Aoife and Sinead
By Con Dennehy The continued growth, development and participation of women’s handball in Kerry was rewarded at the weekend when...
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