Locals to take on 670-kilometre Wild Atlantic Way charity cycle
By Rebekah O'Reilly
Athlone's Ray O'Reilly and Declan Grogan are preparing to take on an almost 670-kilometre journey from Killarney to Achill Island in support of the Breast Cancer Research Institute at University Hospital Galway.
The five-day challenge will see Ray, a well-known DJ, local barber Dec and Tipperary man James McGrath cycle the length of Ireland’s west coast from Monday, June 29, to Saturday, July 4, covering some of the country’s most scenic and challenging routes.
The route from Killarney to Achill Island includes a 164km cycle from Killarney to Castlemaine via the Ring of Kerry, 124km from Castlemaine to Listowel, 120km from Listowel to Doolin, 148km from Doolin to Leenaun, and finally 110km from Leenaun to Achill Island.
The challenge marks a new departure for the group, who have spent almost a decade taking part in overseas fundraising cycling events. Having previously completed charity cycles abroad for the Irish Hospice Foundation, this will be their first full-scale cycling tour of Ireland. Ray and Dec have previously raised between €75,000 and €80,000 for the cause.
Speaking ahead of the event, Ray said: "We did the cycle abroad for 10 years, so we felt it was time to take on a new challenge closer to home. We're really looking forward to the challenge, and the scenery along the west coast. The three of us have become great friends through the previous cycles, so there will be lots of chats and camaraderie along the way too."
The trio will be supported throughout the journey by backup crew members Mary O’Reilly and Anne Marie Lough from Killarney. Additional support on the final day will come from Brona O’Reilly and Grace Kieran.
The cyclists also acknowledged the assistance of Louise McCarron from the Breast Cancer Research Institute in helping to organise the fundraiser.
To date, Dec's iDonate page has raised €470 of his €500 target from some 16 donations.
Members of the public can support the fundraiser through online donations at https://www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/declangrogancycle, or by contacting Ray on 086 811 9183 to donate funds or old car, tractor, and truck batteries.