Castlecomer District Hospital day-care centre is to benefit to the tune of some €10,000 following a charity cycle organised by a local group.
Some 39 cyclists set off for Croke Park last Saturday morning after a welcome and hearty breakfast organised by the hospital staff.
Many supporters came along to encourage the team whose first stop was Clogh — where the cycle originated with Jimmy Doyle and his father.
Sean Holden told the Kilkenny Advertiser that every member of the team made it to Croke Park safe and sound ‘and this was the most important thing.’
Each cyclist had a sponsorship card and the funds are being counted as the cards are returned.
“We are delighted with what has been returned to date,” said Sean. “We currently have about €7,000 in and there are still about 30 cards out there in shops and with others that have not yet been returned. I think we should have raised about €10,000 by the end of it for the hospital.”
And it doesn’t stop here as Sean is organising a soccer game between ‘Comer lads’ and ‘Clogh lads’ in coming weeks and he is hoping that this will also raise some cash for the worthy cause. He is also planning another local charity cycle with the Marble City Cyclists around Kilkenny which will add to the fundraising endeavours.
“The one thing about the people of Castlecomer is that if there is a good cause to support - they will come out in their droves to support it.”
And last weekend was no different - there were huge cheers as the 36 lads and three girls set off for Croke Park on their bikes for the big game - and the reward was two-fold — not only did they all make it unscathed, but they also saw the return of the Liam McCarthy to Kilkenny — a double joy for all concerned.!
