Andrew to take on ‘Triple Challenge’ for Kilbeggan school bike programme

A Kilbeggan man who played a leading role in raising €2,000 last year to maintain a fleet of bicycles for the students of Mercy Secondary School, Kilbeggan hopes to raise more funds for the upkeep of the bikes this summer.

Over the next seven weeks, Andrew Grehan will take part in three major cycling and endurance events across the country, and hopes to accumulate some sponsorship funds along the way.

Andrew, a member of Esker Cycling and Touring Club, Kilbeggan, knows first-hand the benefits of getting out on a bicycle, and is determined to foster a hunger for cycling among school students in the area, with the Greenway an ideal location for spins.

“Cycling is such an amazing pastime,” Andrew said. “I’ve witnessed kids at the school cycling a bike for the first time, and being able to get out for a cycle before this year’s Leaving and Junior Certs has given the students much-needed down-time.”

Andrew’s daughters are both students at Mercy, and enjoy having access to the bike scheme at the school.

“I’d like to be able to help the school with their sports programme and see if we can raise enough to get some initiatives involving the kids off the ground as part of next year’s transition year programme,” explained Andrew, who is also involved with the youths’ soccer club in Kilbeggan.

With all of this in mind, Andrew is going to participate in the Wicklow 200k Cycle on Sunday next, June 12, the Mondello 24-hour Cycle three-man team event on June 19, and the Celtic Warrior Ironman at Lilliput on July 30.

No stranger to marathons, cycling sportifs and triathlons, Andrew is fit and ready for the task and hoping to generate support for his fundraiser on GoFundMe. Last year, the €2,000 raised for the school bikes in Kilbeggan was achieved at the Mondello 24-hour Cycle.

He will be involved in that event again on June 19, but this Sunday, the journey begins with the Wicklow 200k Cycle, where he will be joined by fellow Esker club members.

“The biggest challenge of all will be the Ironman in July,” Andrew added.

Andrew hopes to have plenty of local support for his Triple Challenge, and if you would like to get involved, you can get in touch with him on 087 9745801.

To contribute funds to the initiative, you can log on to the GoFundMe page which has been set up by Andrew by clicking here.