Carrigoon to Chapeltown, Valentia

Mallow GAA were out in force last Saturday morning as over thirty cyclists took to the road to raise money for a very worthy cause.

Having not been able to participate in the Paul Curran Trust Cycle when it was passing through the town, the club decided that they would venture west themselves at a time of their own choosing. The team gathered in Carrigoon for an early breakfast before being waved off by some early rising club members.

Travelling in one group of thirty, the multi coloured team of cyclists made great time stopping off in Rathmore, Killarney, Killorglin and Caherciveen before landing in Chapeltown in Valentia at 4pm, having hit the road in Mallow at just after 8am. A sole puncture was the only injury this team had to endure with everyone completing the 152km course. The team were guided by five guest cyclists from Valentia, along with a team of local Mallow Gardaí led by Liam Doyle and local headmaster Michael Walsh.

The aim of the cycle was fundraising and, while the cyclists pedalled their way to Kerry, a bucket collection took place outside Dano’s SuperValu. All the cyclists gathered their own sponsorship cards and when totalled a special presentation will be made to the Paul Curran Trust in the next few weeks.

Mallow GAA would like to sincerely thank those who gave sponsorships in different guises when asked. Three support vans also made the trip to ensure that all ran smoothly, and diesel for these vehicles was kindly sponsored .

With everyone completing the course there was a great sense of achievement and this was only added to with a rousing reception from the Valentia locals as the team landed. All the locals were out to show their appreciation and a great evening was had by all.

Our cyclists were made up of many family and familiar connections. The Kerrisk brothers, Clive and Diarmuid, were joined by the McCormacks, Mick and Fergal. The Healys were made up of Pandy and his daughters Donna and Kate. Modern day players like Tadgh O’Riordan were joined by greats from the past like Kieran Mills and Cathal Murphy! Football sponsors Maureen’s were represented by Kevin Dinan. Seán Murphy was joined by past and present chairmen John Dineen and Bartley Galvin in the support vans.

The success of this particular venture was due in no small measure to the determination of Kieran Mills. Given that the original cycle had taken place before the club could participate, it was down to Kieran that we got ourselves organised enough to make our own trip and make a contribution to this worthy cause.