Photo: Michael Hussey (YoughalOnline.com)

St. Raphael’s Centre, Youghal was the starting point for over four hundred machines of every type and size as motorcyclists from all over Munster set off, for the sixth year running, in the annual charity motorcycle rally that took them through Dungarvan, Lismore, Fermoy, Cork and on to Kinsale. The occasion was part of a major fundraising effort for the sick children of five Cork hospitals. Refreshments were provided for the riders who had committed to the route of 135 miles.

They are helping to fund a brief holiday for the children in Euro Disney, Paris, next May. Each motorcyclist contributes at least €25 for the privilege of riding with about 400 other bikers on the trip, organised, as before, by Kinsale and District Lions Club and the Childrens Club of Cork University Hospital. Sponsorship cards also provide income.

The cavalcade left St Raphael’s Hospital grounds at 1.00 pm and the main street reverberated to the sound of hundreds of the motorcycles as they left the town on the planned route towards Dungarvan – Cappaquin – Lismore – Tallow – Fermoy, bound for the Jack Lynch tunnel, turned at Wilton and eventually to the Cork University Hospital at 3.30 for a ride-past for the children.

The finish in Kinsale was around 4.00 pm, where Mayor Dermot Collins greeted the motorcyclists on the pier.
With Fire Engines, Ambulances, Civil Defence vehicles and Garda Outriders accompanying the rally ensuring order and safety, the spectacle did not go unheard or unnoticed.

Bikers, quite rightly, relish the opportunity of displaying their cherished steeds in all their chromed glory and to do this whilst riding alongside their fellows. The bikers have always been delighted to support the children by their generosity and dedication to this event. Well done to all those involved in this worthy cause.
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