Tenth Annual Day Care Cycle Took off at 10

Members of the Castleisland Day Care Physiotherapy Unit back-up team for the first fundraising cycle in 2007. Included, front from left: Catherine Brosnan, Marie O’Callaghan, Máiréad Cahill and Fiona Cronin. Back: Jim Hartnett, Sheila Greaney, Joan O’Connor, Eilish Moynihan, Mary Cahill, Sheila Collins, Marie Galvin, Mary Casey, Monica Prendiville, Nora Greaney, Maxi Fleming and Martina O’Donoghue. ©Photograph: John Reidy 2-9-2007

It’s 9.58am on Sunday morning, September 4th 2016 and starter, Éamonn Breen has just let the cyclists off on the 10th annual Castleisland Day Care Centre Cycle. The 11th cycle will be held on Sunday morning, September 3rd from 10am. ©Photograph: John Reidy

Official starter, Éamonn Breen (left) and fellow organiser, Shane O’Neill at the start of the 10th annual Castleisland Day Care Centre Cycle on Sunday morning. ©Photograph: john Reidy

Jerh Long as a two legged Long John Silver with Liam Brosnan, ‘Bertie’ and Donie O’Callaghan from the colourful Knocknagoshel street theatre group, Mindana at the start of the first Castleisland Day Care Centre Physiotherapy Unit Fundraising Cycle. ©Photograph: John Reidy 2-9-2007

The Penny Farthing bicycle added an element of curiosity to the August 2007 announcement of details of the first Currow Cycling Club charity run in aid of the Castleisland Day Care Centre Physiotherapy Unit. Included were: Eamonn Collier (left) with: Shane O’Neill, Shane, Rowan and Tim Collier. ©Photograph: John Reidy 10-08-2007

Michelle (left) and Oorla Casey hitting the road on the first Castleisland Day Care Centre Physiotherapy Unit Fundraising Cycle from the local rugby club. ©Photograph: John Reidy 2-9-2007

It’s been an annual event since it was introduced as a great idea to the public here in August 2007. From the outset it welcomed the man and woman with the common bike as much as it did those with the racers.

A bunch of 120 cyclists of all abilities set off as the clock lurked dangerously close to 10am this Sunday morning on the tenth annual Castleisland Day Care Centre Fundraising Cycle.

There was great enthusiasm and jollity as former Kerry, Rás Tailteann team cyclist, Éamonn Breen had a bet to consider as he pulled the line together several times as the hour approached. He won his bet and away they went and just before a gathering mist came and went in a matter of minutes.

Looked Great

The number of cyclists taking part looked great as a bunch. However it was down in number by about 30 on last year’s turnout – and down on the 200 or so of a couple of years ago.

The organisers, like those of similar events through the country, are facing the dilemma of wondering how they can cope with so many other counter attractions and restore their numbers to the level of a few short years ago.

There were three routes, 15 km, 45km, and 80km, catering for all levels of cyclists.

The short route is run over 15km. This route is ideal for families and children are encouraged to come along with their parents to savour the atmosphere of a cycling event.

The middle route is 45km and, for the cycling enthusiasts, there is an 80km route.

No Racing Involved

There was no racing involved and the emphasis was placed on a leisure and fun event to be enjoyed by all.

Refreshments were served at Castleisland Day Care Centre before and after the event and there were food stations along the cycle routes.

As of now, cyclists dedicated to the cause of the centre will mark off All-Ireland Hurling final Sunday for the 2017 cycle. In the meantime the organisers from Currow Cycling Club and the day care centre will ponder on how they can bump up the numbers for next year’s event.

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