Former Kildare ladies star cycling from Dublin to Thurles today as part of charity cycle

A former Kildare ladies footballer and current GAA Health and Well-Being Coordinator will be taking part in a charity cycle that will be taking place this morning.

Former Lilywhite Stacey Cannon is joining a group of staff from Croke Park in the 'Tour de Thurles challenge which will be raising funds for five of the GAA's official charities.

The 160 km route will take the group from the capital through Meath, Kildare, Laois and Kilkenny before finishing in Liberty Square outside Hayes Hotel, the site of the foundation of the GAA.

The project was the idea of Croke Park Staff Group and  the funds raised will go towards the Association's five charities: The Alzheimer Society of Ireland, Asthma Society of Ireland, Breakthrough Cancer Research, Cystic Fibrosis Ireland and Make A Wish Ireland.

Pictured at the launch in Croke Park today were Community Garda Mark Higgins, Ballymun Station, Mark Curran, Chief Garda Superintendent, Ballymun Station, Peter Minchin, Community & Branch Fundraising Coordinator Cystic Fibrosis Ireland, Stacey Cannon, GAA Health and Well-Being Coordinator and former Kildare ladies footballer, Kevin Sexton, GAA Ticketing and Training Executive, David Treacy, GAA Commercial and Sponsorship Account Manager / Dublin senior hurler

GAA President Aogán Ó Fearghail wished the group well.  He said; "This is a fantastic initiative organised by our staff and one that will make a tangible difference for five good causes.

“It is very much in keeping with the ideals of the GAA it has also had a positive knock on effect on team morale amongst staff around our busiest time of the year.

“This initiative complements the work of our Health and Community Department that does so much away from the field of play.

"I know the training that has taken place in recent weeks to prepare our cyclists and I hope it serves them well on their journey.

Speaking on behalf of one of the charities benefitting Peter Minchin of CF Ireland added: “CF Ireland are delighted to support the GAA staff as they undertake this cycle to raise awareness of health and wellbeing. Exercise is so important, particularly for people with Cystic Fibrosis.

“Funds raised from the cycle will allow CF Ireland provide services and supports to the CF Community in Ireland such as our Exercise Grant scheme. On behalf of the CF Community in Ireland, we thank the participants for their support and wish them well on their journey.”

Keep an eye out for the group which will leave Dublin 3 at 8am tomorrow with an expected arrival time in Thurles of circa 5pm.