Disco fundraiser for Irish Hospice and Order of Malta

Well-known Athlone duo, Ray O'Reilly, a prominent DJ, and Declan Grogan, of Dec's Barbers, are once again getting on their bikes for charity.

The two are taking part in the annual Irish Hospice Foundation (IHF) Cycle Challenge, which comprises a cycle from Munich to Milan, a 500-kilometres route taking in five countries over five days during the week-long trip.

Participants will pedal through Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Liechtenstein and Italy. The event takes place from June 20 to June 26.

Ray is hosting a fundraising disco in The Piano Bar as part of his fundraising efforts, with the proceeds split between The Irish Hospice Federation and the Order of Malta. The early evening disco, takes place from 7pm to 10pm, this Saturday, March 29. Admission is €10. Fancy dress optional. The disco will include music from the 70s, 80s and 90s and be held in The Cellar venue of The Piano Bar.

The IHF Cycle Challenge has been running since 2009 and this will be Ray's ninth year to take part, with Declan due to take on his seventh challenge.

More than €2 million has been raised to date by the event and it has helped to support a range of essential Irish Hospice Foundation programmes like Nurses for Nightcare, the Bereavement Support Line and the development of the recently launched Information and Support Line. Last year’s event raised more than €140,000.