LOCAL MEN PREPARE FOR MARATHON HEAD-TO-HEAD CYCLE

This week saw a group of cyclists start out from Malin Head Co. Donegal to Mizen Head on a gruelling tour in memory of Daniel Kingston, a friend who lost his battle with cancer aged just 25.

Speaking to The Avondhu, Kilworth man Will Barry, one of the group heading out, said they are ready for the task at hand.

“The cycle is in aid of a friend of ours, Daniel Kingston who lost his battle with Hodgkins Lymphoma last February. We are running this event to honour his memory and to raise money for the ARC Centre in Cork who looked after and supported Daniel throughout his illness,” Will said.

“Eoghan McCarthy (also from Kilworth) came up with this idea shortly after Daniel’s passing. He thought it would be a great way to remember Daniel and raise much needed funds for such a worthy cause. We also have local men Stephen O’Riordan from Castlelyons, David Hegarty from Dungourney and Richard Kelleher from Fermoy helping us out by sharing the driving of our support vehicle.”

“The preparation is going well, basically what’s involved is organising accommodation for each of the towns we will be stopping in, and to get the bikes up to Malin Head. The Lee Garage have kindly donated the use of a van for a week for this very purpose. The group have been training hard and are looking forward to the challenge,” Will explained.

The group will see a mixture of novices and experienced cyclists take to the challenge, with the homecoming leg promising to be a special occasion. “One or two of us have some experience alright, I personally have an interest in cycling aside from this challenge. Others have triathlon experience and some are training solely for this event.

“It will be nice to pass through Fermoy next Saturday as we will know the finishing line is in sight. Make sure to keep an eye out for a bunch of cyclists looking worse for wear!” he joked.

Finally Will said that some of the group plan to stay local and celebrate the end of the cycle this weekend at Indiependence.

“Well seeing as it’s the bank holiday weekend we might head to the Mitchelstown music festival on the Sunday night to celebrate what will no doubt be a very challenging 5 days in the saddle,” he said, adding that donating to the cause is easy.

Just go to www.mycharity.ie/event/danielkingston4arc/ for information. The group also have a website with news and photos of the event www.malin2mizencycle.com

 

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