Liberator Tour cyclists arrive in Mullingar for stopover on Limerick Armagh charity run
The first group of cyclists on a charity run from Cahersiveen, County Kerry to their home club O’Connell’s GAC, Tullysaran, County Armagh, arrived at the Annebrook House in Mullingar for an overnight break at lunchtime today.
Eighteen cyclists from O’Connell’s are taking part in what is one of the club’s biggest fundraising initiatives – the Liberator Tour.
They began at Cahersiveen yesterday, and cycled from Limerick to Mullingar this morning.
They are on a mission to raise funds for Air Ambulance Northern Ireland and also supporting the development of O’Connell’s GAC.
Colm McGahan was the lead rider on the first group to Mullingar; the other group were held up with a puncture and were due around an hour later.
He said they enjoyed the run from Limerick and averaged 20mph (30kmh) on good roads an in good conditions for cycling. Their route took them via Nenagh, Birr and Kilbeggan, and they are staying at the Annebook tonight.
Tomorrow morning they will head for Tullysaran via Cavan and Monaghan and aim to arrive, following a regroup, all together mid-afternoon.
Colm and his cousin Jason McGahan have been busy behind the scenes organising cycle. Jason is head of strength and conditioning with Kerry GAA.
Colm said the team are going to relax and enjoy a wander around Mullingar for the afternoon and evening. If you see people in Armagh colours taking photos at the Joe Dolan statue, you'll know who they are.
You can donate to their fundraising here.
AIR AMBULANCE NORTHERN IRELAND
The cyclists are proud to support a charity as important as Air Ambulance Northern Ireland, who provide a life-saving service that reaches people when every second counts, while also raising funds to help secure the future development of their club.
Local businesses have sponsored the challenge, families have backed the cyclists through ‘Sponsor a Mile’, and supporters have followed the training the Liberator Tour online.