Pedalling for a purpose on All-Ireland final day

As football supporters prepare for the biggest day in the GAA calendar, cyclists from across Westmeath will once again take to the roads on All-Ireland football final Sunday for a fundraising event that has become one of the area's most enduring charitable traditions.

One of the most successful community fundraising events in the Ballynacargy area is set to return on July 26 when Gerry and Phil Keon host the annual Wagon Wheel Charity Cycle in aid of St Brigid’s School, Mullingar.

The fundraising cycle, organised by the owners of The Wagon Wheel pub, has become a fixture on the local calendar since it was first launched in 2015. Over the past decade, the event has generated thousands of euro for a range of worthy causes across the region.

The inaugural cycle in 2015 raised an impressive €5,392.10 for a local charity, while the following year saw €4,472.20 donated to Crumlin Hospital, helping support services for sick children and their families.

Since then, a number of organisations have benefited from the generosity of cyclists, sponsors and supporters, including SCBU, LARCC Cancer Support Centre, Saplings School Mullingar, the Make-A-Wish Foundation and St Brigid’s School, Mullingar.

Among the most notable fundraising achievements was the 2023 event when an outstanding €10,488 was raised for St Brigid’s School. The school has once again been selected as the beneficiary for this year's fundraiser, with organisers hoping for another strong community response.

To date, the annual cycle has raised close to €50,000 for charitable causes.

This year's event will take place on Sunday, July 26, with participants undertaking the traditional Canal Line Cycle. Registration will take place from 10am at The Wagon Wheel, Ballynacargy, with the cycle getting underway at 11am sharp.

Cyclist sponsorship cards are now available and organisers remind participants that all cyclists must be at least 16 years of age.

Refreshments will be provided after the cycle, while water stations, first aid cover and marshal assistance will be available along the route. Following the day's sporting action, live music will take place in The Wagon Wheel after the All-Ireland final.

A raffle featuring a variety of prizes, including a special cyclists' draw, will also be held, with all proceeds going directly to St Brigid’s School.

Gerry and Phil Keon are encouraging local businesses and members of the public to support the fundraiser in any way they can. Donations, spot prizes and sponsorship support are all welcome.

Anyone wishing to make a donation, provide a spot prize or obtain a sponsorship card can do so through The Wagon Wheel. The organisers are hopeful that the local community will once again get behind the event and help continue a fundraising tradition that has delivered significant support to deserving causes over the past 11 years.

For further information or enquiries, contact The Wagon Wheel on (044) 9373987.