ON THE eve of Clare’s second round tie against Cork in the Munster SHC, the Banner GAA, Ennis and Friends Charity Cycle 2024 will see cyclists pedal from Cusack Park to Cork City.
This will involve a mammoth 140km cycle in the one day for all involved in what will be the eighth charity cycle organised by the club. The founder of the inspired endeavour was the club secretary, Conall McNulty. He wanted to do something for the non-playing members of the club, which acted as a club fundraiser and also wanted the club to give something back to the community.
Close to €45,000 has been raised for local charities since its inception while the club has also benefitted from the monies raised. Clare Cancer Support, Clare Crusaders and a youth mental health initiative being run by Clarecare and Cahercalla Community Hospice & Nursing Home have been the charities to benefit as a result of the cycles to Kilkenny, Portlaoise, Cork, Waterford, Tullamore and on two occasions Thurles.
Bushy Park Addiction Treatment Centre is the chosen charity from 2024 with organisers pointing out how it has treated people with addictions issues from all over Ireland. All the charities over the past seven years have been overwhelmed by the generosity of the sponsors, Cyclists, & the general public who have donated funds to the Charity Cycle.
Cyclists involved train every Sunday morning throughout the year, departing Cusack Park at 09:00.
Over the years, the invitation to any leisure cyclist who wished to participate was extended to friends from neighbouring parishes. This year those friends include cyclists from Ballyea, Doora, Barefield, Inagh and Kilnamona.
An online fundraising page has been set up for the cycle where members of the public are invited to make contributions.
