Charity cycle powers ahead with €1.5m raised

One of Ireland’s biggest fundraising events has raised more than €1.5m for local charities.

The Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle, which takes place every July, announced the figure last night at its annual dinner dance. It is the most money the event has ever raised, surpassing last year’s total of €1.2m.

More than 10,500 cyclists took part in the event this time around, up from 9,000 entrants in 2013.

The average age of cyclists taking part was 40, with entrants from more than 19 countries.

In a survey distributed to the participants, over 96% rated the cycle as either excellent or very good, while 98% said they would recommend it to a friend. Over 85% said they would register for the 2015 cycle.

Cathal Walsh, a member of the organising committee, said: “For people to go out and raise almost €1.6m is the stuff of dreams and is a testament to the goodwill of everyone who takes part and goes out to train hard, raise money and cycle 180km for charity.”

Mr Walsh also thanked the hundreds of volunteers who make the event such a success on an annual basis.

The level of social media engagement was notably high this year, with users on platforms such as Facebook, Twitter and YouTube creating awareness about the event and boosting the number of donations. Posts about the event reached more than 100,000 people in 83 countries through Facebook and a video of the cycle was viewed more than 22,000 times.

The nine charities benefiting from the event are Ard Cúram Day Care, Acquired Brain Injury Ireland, Irish Red Cross, Kerry Hospice Foundation, Kerry Parents & Friends Association, Kerry Stars, Kerry Friends of Motor Neurone, Pieta House and Valentia Island Cottage Hospital.

The next Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle will take place Saturday, July 4. The Irish Examiner is media sponsor for the event.