Mayor hails charity cycle king Denis

A LOCAL voluntary group, which has raised over €2 million for good causes, has been accorded a civic reception by Kerry county mayor Ted Fitzgerald.

Led by the indefatigable Denis Geaney, of Killarney, the group has organised the sponsored Ring of Kerry cycle for the past 23 years.

Numerous charities and voluntary organisations in the county have benefited.

This year, the cycle is expected to yield in excess of €200,000, which will bring the overall total to more than €2.5m.

Mr Fitzgerald, speaking at the reception in Áras an Chontae, Tralee, described the work of Mr Geaney and his team as extraordinary and an example to similar groups all around the country.

He said: “The fact that it has survived over the past 23 years and actually grown is a tribute to the organisational skills and dedication of the organising committee.”

The day-long cycle covers the entire 100-mile long Ring of Kerry, one of the country’s most popular tourist routes.

Around 700 cyclists took part in 2006 and the numbers are expected to be at least as high for this year’s event on Saturday July 7. Groups to benefit this year include Enable Ireland, Kerry Mountain Rescue, Down Syndrome Ireland (Kerry branch) and the Skellig Stars Special Olympic team.

Acting county manager Tom Curran said there were voluntary groups and charities around the county which would be unable to carry out their work without financial assistance from the Ring of Kerry Cycle Committee.