€115,000 has been raised by the Cliffs of Moher Cycle Challenge across nine years for valuable charities and voluntary organisations in the area.
This year’s cycle brought in a total of €38,000. Riverside Cycling Club hosted a reception on Thursday evening at the Digital Hub in Ennistymon where they presented the latest funds and heard of the work done by each organisation locally.
More than 1,100 cyclists partake in the event which is one of the biggest five charity cycles in Ireland. Organisers estimate that the annual event is worth €150,000 to the local economy benefitting hotels, restaurants, pubs and shops.
Beneficiaries from the cycle include North Clare Family Resource Centre with 90 percent of the funding for the development of an outside amenity area at the community creche facility covered. Lahinch Leisure Centre, Ennistymon Church, Irish Community Air Ambulance, Burren Chernobyl, Ennistymon Tidy Towns, Lahinch Tidy Towns, EDSAP, Ennistymon Community Hospital, Sea To Summit and St. Vincent De Paul have all benefitted from funding.
Riverside Cycling Club was founded in 2012 and currently has 48 members with new recruits always welcome. Members of its committee include Tom Barry, Gerry McInerney, Michael Egan, Deirdre Hynes, James Cloney, John O’Looney, Dinny Cullinan, Dave Foley, Matt Hennigan.
Earlier this year, some members cycled the 175km from Ennistymon to Westport then climbing Croagh Patrick all in the one day. The event has raised more than €14,000 to date and is on course to hit the €16,000 mark. Cancer Care West and Sláinte an Chláir were chosen for this venture given the services provided to current and past members.
April 1st 2023 has been scheduled as the date for the tenth Cliffs of Moher Cycle Challenge.
