Maynooth to Galway cycle gets into gear

Irish cycling legend Sean Kelly joined big hearted students of Maynooth University in launching their Galway Cycle 2016 fundraiser at the college.

The cycle, run by Maynooth Students for Charity will be run in aid of Down Syndrome Ireland.

This will be the 29th edition of the Galway Cycle, which has raised over €1.5 million for worthy causes and seen thousands of students make the 400km round trip from the college in Co Kildare to Galway and back in one weekend.

The 2016 Galway Cycle will take place April 8, 9 and 10.

Starting just after dawn on Friday, April 8, the cyclists will begin the epic cycle to Galway, arriving into Eyre Square just after 5pm.

On the Saturday they will rattle buckets in the streets for DownSyndrome Ireland, before making the return journey on Sunday, April 10.

Down Syndrome Ireland works to provide support to families andimprove the quality of life for members of the organisation as well as bringingan improved a respect and acceptance of people with Down Syndrome as valuedmembers of Irish society.

Speaking at the launch, Aaron Darcy the President of the GalwayCycle welcomed the former number one cyclist to Maynooth University.

“We are delighted to be associated with Down Syndrome Ireland and the work they do in improving the lives of their members and their families,” he said.

Speaking on behalf of DSI, Pat Clarke thanked Maynooth Studentsfor Charity for their work in raising funds and awareness of the work of DownSyndrome Ireland.