Muintir Na Tire Cycle Fundraiser

Posted on July 17, 2008

By Christy Parker | Photo: Michael Hussey (YoughalOnline.com)

Youghal Cyclists pass under the famous Clock Gate

Three east Cork care organisations have now received cheques totalling almost €8,000 following this year’s Muintir na Tire cycle fundraiser. The money was distributed at a special ceremony in Ballymore Community Centre, Cobh.

Brian Fitzgerald, Kieran Groeger, Johnny Bulman, Liam McLellan and members of the Youghal Cycle Club

Marymount Hospice received €5,000, Friends of Cobh Hospital received €2,000 and Midleton-based east Cork Jamboree, who organise an annual social function for senior citizens, were given €700.

Amongst those present were, Pat Ryan of Kia Motors, Marian Mariga, Gortroe organising committee Chairwoman and vice-chair of Cork County Federation of Muintir na Tire. Others included Maurice Lynch, President of Imokilly Council of Muintir na Tire and Annette Lane, Secretary of Carrigtwohill Community Council organising committee.

Generously sponsored by Youghal’s Kia Motors, about 20 cyclists, plus bucket collectors had departed the sponsor’s Strand showrooms on Sunday morning, May 17th. They navigated a 100km route through Tallow, Fermoy, Glanmire. Carrigtwohill and back to Youghal. Simultaneously, a group of fellow fundraisers completed a Cobh-Midleton round trip.

The Youghal group were afforded a council reception in Fermoy and were formally welcomed home by Youghal Mayor Dave savage at council headquarters.

The annual fundraiser began 14 years when the late Pat Fitzgerald organised the first cycle fundrasier as a thank you to the Mercy hospital, where he had been treated for cancer. Thereafter he asked me to organise it and I’ve done so since. Pat died only three years ago.” It has raised over €100,000 so far, al of which went directly to various charities.

Youghal cyclist Brian Fitzgerald (no relation), who has participated each year, says, “Its not just about raising money. It’s also important to make people aware of the the existence and needs of the many charities in our commuinities.”

PRO for the County Executive of Muintir na Tire, Finbarr Motherway, said the organisation were “very, very pleased with this year’s financial outcome and with the day generally.” He thanked “the cyclists and collectors, Kia Motors, the general public and all the members of Muintir na Tire who participated in any way.”