Athlone pit-stop for cyclists during 670km trip for children's charity
Volunteers are gearing up to cycle the length of the country to raise funds for Cian’s Kennels.
The Longford-based national charity brings pets closer to sick children and their families at CHI Crumlin (formerly Our Lady’s Hospital for Sick Children at Crumlin) by providing pet kennels and transport, and a space for children and their families to spend time with their beloved pets while undergoing hospital treatment.
The team of volunteers will be cycling for six days from Mizen Head to Malin Head, starting in Mizen on Sunday next, September 17, and finishing in Malin Head on September 22. The group will arrive into Athlone on Tuesday, September 19, between 4pm and 5pm.
The fundraising cycle will remember a number of special people.
Day one, from Mizen Head to Killarney, will be dedicated to the memory of Cliodhna Barret Murphy from Cork, who lost her brave battle with Ewing’s sarcoma at the tender age of 16.
Day two, from Killarney to Limerick is dedicated to well-loved Longford man Donal Considine, who passed away suddenly in 2019, and is sorely missed by his family and many friends.
Day three, from Limerick to Athlone will be dedicated to the memory of James Magan, Killashee, County Longford – who died at just 16 years old, four years after being diagnosed with a brain tumour.
Day four, Athlone to Sligo via Longford, is dedicated to Leah Sheridan, Ardagh/Newtownforbes, County Longford. Leah is the daughter of cycle sponsor Derek Sheridan of Sherpack Limited. The popular and sporty teenager, who Derek described as his ‘very own little Shirley Temple,’ died in September 2021.
Day five, from Sligo to Letterkenny, is dedicated to the memory of proud Longford woman and doting mother-of-two, Dearbhla Cox (nee Considine), who died in 2018 after a brave battle with cancer.
Day six, from Letterkenny to Malin Head is dedicated to Cian Neary, Killashee, Co Longford who died in 2019. Cian’s legacy is the wonderful charity Cian’s Kennels, established by his heartbroken parents in a bid to bring a little happiness and comfort to sick children and their families.
Members of the public can get involved by joining the cycle for one day (or the full trip) – visit www.cianskennels.ie for details. All donations are greatly appreciated, and will help to make a real difference in the lives of sick children and their families across Ireland.