Kildare cyclists sought for Willow Wheelers 100km charity cycle this weekend
By Kim O'Leary
Co Kildare cycling enthusiasts are being encouraged to get on their bikes this weekend for a great cause to help raise funds for water, health and education projects in Third World countries as the 29th annual Willow Wheelers 100 mile cycle will travel through Dublin, Meath, Westmeath and Kildare.
Former rugby international turned pundit, Luke Fitzgerald, to officially start the cycle. The Willow Wheelers, one of Ireland’s largest cycling clubs, will undertake its 29th annual 100 mile charity cycle this Sunday.
300 cyclists – including former rugby international turned pundit, Luke Fitzgerald – will take part in the event to raise funds for water, health and education projects in Africa, South America and Southeast Asia.
Founded in 1989 by Christy McDaid, the Willow Wheelers comprises primarily of current and past students from Willow Park School and Blackrock College. Since its foundation, the number of participants in the annual cycle has grown from just 20 to over 300 – resulting in over €2m being raised for third world projects.
Participants will leave Blackrock at 8.45am this Sunday 6 May, and travel via Dublin city centre on route to Kinnegad, where they will take a short rest-stop before returning to Blackrock.
Unlike other similar fundraising events, the money generated from the cycle does not go to a charitable organisation. Instead, the club engages directly with Irish missionaries working in deprived areas of the world who need funding for local projects. Each year, members of the club visit areas where they are providing funding to ensure the money is being put to good use.
Speaking in advance of the cycle, Christy McDaid, founder of the Willow Wheelers Cycling Club commented:
“These trips are at our own expense as it has been our policy from the start that 100% of funds raised from the 100 mile cycle go directly to the projects we support. Having the opportunity to see how the money we raise is helping provide water, health and education to some of the most deprived areas of the world, is particularly important for communicating to people that the money they donate really does make a difference.”
Schedule Sunday 6th May:
08:45: Departure from Blackrock
09.30: Phoenix Park
10.00: Clonee
11.30: Trim
14:15: Kinnegad
15.15: Kinnegad – Depart
16:30: Enfield
17.00: Kilcock
17:30: Maynooth
18.00: Leixlip
19:00: Blackrock College