As we plunge headlong towards the shortest day we can look back in admiration on the efforts of all those who took to the roads and the mountains on The Longest Day 2015.
The Longest Day was all that for those with the energy to take a full and active part in all its twists and turns.
It began at dawn on a miserable Saturday morning, middled on the top of Carrantouhill and ended in glory in the early hours of Sunday morning with one of Tom McCarthy’s legendary post-event parties.
Georgina Fagan is the PRO of the organising committee and in the course of the two ‘Longest Days’
they have managed to raise almost €50,000 for charitable organisations.
After its maiden outing in 2014 the committee presented cheques for €20,300 to Bumblance – the ambulance specially equipped and furnished for children.
This year they had presentations worth €20,204.50 to the Jack and Jill Foundation and one for €4,000 to Kerry Mountain Rescue.
Yes, that is twenty four thousand two hundred and four euro and fifty cent for a single day’s work. A gruelling day no doubt but one day nonetheless!
Needless to say there are many more days involved for the organisers and there is huge credit due to them.
“Following the second successful one day event, the committee gathered with a great sense of achievement and pride to present cheques to Jonathan Irwin on behalf of Jack And Jill for the total of €20,204.50 and to Gerry Christie on behalf of Kerry Mountain Rescue for €4,000.00. That’s a total of over €24,000.00 for one day and of course we’re delighted with all our cyclists and climbers and all the people who made this amazing figure possible,” said Ms. Fagan.
“We were privileged to have the CEO and founder of Jack & Jill Children’s Foundation Jonathan Irwin and Gerry Christie of Kerry Mountain Rescue present at Tom Mc Carthy’s Bar recently for the official cheque presentation of the funds raised on The Longest Day Event on June 20th.
“It’s a fantastic achievement for a one-day event in a small town. Our successful fundraiser would not be possible without each and every one of our volunteers who give up their time to help organize and run this event, sponsorship from local businesses and all of our participants, some of whom travelled from as far as London to take part and help to raise much need funds for both charities.
“Money raised for Jack and Jill will pay for approximately 1300 hours of nursing for sick children and their families in need of care. For this everyone should be proud to have played a part in raising those much need funds.
“We have two fantastic venues in Tom Mc Carthy’s Bar in Castleisland and Cronin’s Yard at the foot of Carrantouhill – from which we host our event. Starting at 6.am at Tom’s and at 8.15 am from Cronin’s Yard.
The Longest Day event consists of a 80km cycle from Castleisland to Cronin’s Yard. Climb Carrantouhill and cycle back to Castleisland, and then we have refreshments and then starting at 7.30pm we have our Bikes & Boots BBQ ’til late and already we’re looking forward to seeing you all next year. It began as an idea on the counter of Tom McCarthy’s Bar during the winter of 2014 and look at where it is now,” said Georgina.
To find out more about the Jack & Jill Children’s Foundation you can do so through the link here: https://www.jackandjill.ie And for more information on the Kerry Mountain Rescue click here
