Defence Forces participants in a fundraising cycle for Vision Ireland which took place in Athlone's Golden Island Shopping Centre last July. The charity event is returning to the same location tomorrow (Friday, July 24).

Army members set for fundraising cycle in Athlone shopping centre this Friday

Adrian Cusack

Published: Thu 23 Jul 2026, 6:03 PM

Last updated: Thu 23 Jul 2026, 6:08 PM

Local members of the Defence Forces will be getting on their bike tomorrow (Friday) when they undertake a fundraising cycle in Athlone's Golden Island Shopping Centre.

From 10am to 3pm, the participants will be aiming to cover a collective 600 kilometres - roughly the distance between Mizen Head in Cork and Malin Head in Donegal - on exercise bikes at the shopping centre.

The challenge has been organised by Athlone resident Jimmy Scott as a fundraiser for Visison Ireland

Jimmy, who is registered blind due to injuries sustained in an accident in 1989, works as a switchboard operator in Custume Barracks.

Over the years the Roslevin Lawn resident has been a regular fundraiser for Vision Ireland, formerly known as the the National Council for the Blind Ireland (NCBI).

Friday's cycle follows on from a similar event which he organised last July.

Jimmy said support and donations from the public in the Golden Island Shopping Centre on the day would be greatly appreciated.