*Neil Gillespie, Donal Monaghan, Pat O Grady, Tom Hayes, Ciara O Loughlin, Maeve Crawford, John Ryan, Louise Craig, Kieran Dooley, Kieran Murray, Yasmin Monaghan, Naoise Dooley, Deirdre Power and Lucy O’Brien. Photograph: Joe Buckley
€21,723 has been raised for Down Syndrome Clare following the biggest turnout for the Odd Socks Cycle.
Ahead of the Christmas season, Rothaíochta na Sionnaine presented a timely gift to Down Syndrome Clare.
Proceeds from the fourth annual Odd Socks Cycle have totalled €21,723 and have been warmly received by Down Syndrome Clare.
At the end of March, a record 350 cyclists took part in the 50km and 100km routes which started in Shannon and took in the scenic routes of East Clare.
Organised by Rothaíochta na Sionnaine, the cycle has the goals of raising an awareness of Down Syndrome and funds for the local branch whilst wearing odd socks.
People with Down Syndrome are born with 3 copies of chromosome 21 and when viewed under a microscope, the chromosomes appear like odd socks, hence the name of the cycle.
Branch secretary of Down Syndrome Clare, Maeve Crawford said, “We are immensely proud of the overwhelming response and support we have received for the Odd Socks Charity cycle and raffle. It is heartening to see so many cyclists take part in the cycle and support the Down Syndrome community here in Co Clare”.
All proceeds from the event will be directed towards supporting the services and initiatives of Down Syndrome Clare, enriching the lives of individuals with Down syndrome and their families.
The branch has recently obtained planning permission to renovate a property in Ennis for use as its Branch headquarters, where services and therapies can run from and act as a community and social hub.
Maeve added, “The success of the Odd Socks cycle would not have been possible without the generous contributions from the cyclists, volunteers and rest stop venues and the branch would like to extend its heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed to its success”.
