Charity cyclists put pedal to metal for St Brigid’s School
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At the presentation of the cheque were, back row (L-R): Karen Dunleavy, Trish Casey, Shauna Butterly and Rose O’Sullivan. Front (L-R): Phil Keon, Joanne Jordan, principal St Brigid’s School, and Amy Keon.Image 2 of 3
Niall Barrett, Mairead Hughes, Helena Maguire and Aisling Archbold, with in front, Joanne Jordan, principal, St Brigid’s School, Amy and Gerry Keon.Image 3 of 3
Tommy Maguire (cyclist), Joanne Jordan, principal. St Brigid’s School, Eddie Maguire (cyclist) and Martin Keville (marshal and event organiser).St Brigid’s School, Mullingar, was the beneficiary of a welcome €8,244 from The Wagon Wheel charity cycle, which took place in Ballynacargy.
St Brigid’s School principal, Joanne Jordan, thanked Gerry and Phil Keon of The Wagon Wheel pub for their unstinting support over the years at Saturday’s cheque presentation in The Wagon Wheel.
The annual charity fundraising event, which is organised on All-Ireland football Sunday, has raised some €58,000 since its inception in 2015.
“We are grateful to the organisers and everyone who helped and took part in the fundraiser. It is unbelievably difficult in the school trying to increase resources for our pupils, so this money makes a massive difference to the little people in our school. This money will go towards a new defibrillator for the school, and we are trying to invest in a wheelchair-accessible swing, which will cost €36,000,” said Joanne.
“It is a phenomenal amount of money to raise, but this is a great start.”
She thanked everyone who donated to this year’s fundraiser and to the previous event in 2023, which raised more than €10,000 and helped make a big difference to the school. The funds will all go towards making things better for the children in the school, she added.
The annual fundraiser has also supported Crumlin Hospital, Saplings School, Mullingar, and LARCC in previous years.
Martin Keville, race marshal and one of the main organisers, thanked everyone who helped make the annual event such a resounding success. In total, 26 cyclists took part, and the marshals played a key role on the day. First aid was provided by Margaret Nally.
Gerry and Phil Keon thanked the people of Ballynacargy and surrounding areas for their support and acknowledged those who gave their time and services free of charge.
A raffle was also held and there was significant sponsorship from William Grants and Sons (via Matty Scanlon) and Flamers.ie. Food and music were sponsored by The Wagon Wheel, which was among many businesses and individuals who donated to the charity event.