Two-day cycle in support of missionaries to start in Athlone
by Megan Mitchell
A two-day family cycle from Athlone to Leixlip station along the greenway will take place next month in support of two Irish missionaries working in Haiti and Pakistan.
Organised by Athlone man Paddy Daly, this cycle, on Wednesday, November 2, and Thursday, November 3, hopes to raise money for Sr. Rose Kelly, from Castlebar, and Fr. Tomás King, from Monivea, while they serve abroad.
Together, they have dedicated over 60 years of their lives combined, Sr. Rose Kelly in Haiti and Fr. Tomás King in Pakistan. Both countries are currently in the midst of devastating humanitarian and economic crises.
This year alone, Pakistan has faced unprecedented flooding, leaving millions homeless and destitute whereas Haiti is experiencing complete political, economic, and humanitarian disaster, partially as a result of a total collapse of state institutions.
Sr. Rose explains that a gang have blocked off the main fuel depot, therefore stopping any supplies from being transported in or out of Jean Rabel, Haiti, where she is based.
However, she adds: “Even if they could, the roads are blocked by other gangs or indeed by people who are desperate now for food... everyone is hungry.”
Assisting Mr. Daly in this fundraising event is Rob Black, from New Zealand, who spent three years of his life in Ireland, during which he worked as a full time volunteer with the Dublin Simon Community, before later volunteering on a Traveller halting site, in the east side of Galway city, known as Hillside. During this time, he worked alongside Sr. Rose and Fr. Tomás as well as Mr. Daly. It was in the following years that both Sr. Rose and Fr. Tomás departed Galway into conditions they could never have imagined.
Now, Rob and Paddy have come together again to set up two cycling initiatives thousands of miles apart, one in Athlone and the other in Auckland, New Zealand. With this they hope to raise as much funds as possible in aid of their friends.
The cycle will begin at 9am on November 2 from Garrycastle, Athlone to Mullingar. On day 2, the cycle will continue from Mullingar to Leixlip Confey station. All families and individuals are welcome. All participants can do whatever distance best suits them, whether that be from Garrycastle to Moate, Mullingar, or the full trip to Leixlip. Participants can bring their own refreshments and transport them along the route.
An iDonate page has been set up should anyone wish to support the cycle or the tremendous efforts of Sr. Rose and Fr. Tomás as they dedicate more of their lives to serving Haiti and Pakistan.
For more information call or text Paddy Daly at (089-4065698) or e-mail at paddyaoife@yahoo.com